£102m for GP Surgery Upgrades Across England

The UK government has announced over £102 million in funding to modernise more than 1,000 GP surgeries across England, aiming to create additional clinical space and provide over 8 million extra appointments annually. The initiative will be funded through the Primary Care Utilisation and Modernisation Fund, supported by a national insurance rise. Upgrades will begin this summer, targeting completion by 2026, with specific projects in areas such as Shropshire and Somerset. Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated the investment will move more care into community settings and address issues like the '8am scramble' for appointments. The plan responds to findings that many GP estates are unfit for purpose and that patient lists have grown as the number of practices has declined. NHS leaders and independent reviews emphasize that modern facilities are crucial for improving care quality and capacity.