RCGP Scotland statement on draft Scottish Budget 2026-27

Commenting on the publication of the draft Scottish Budget 2026-27, RCGP Scotland Chair, Dr Chris Provan said:

"I welcome the funding arrangements outlined in the draft budget, which include the first instalment of funds to deliver on the agreement reached between BMA Scotland’s GP Committee and the Scottish Government - an additional £98 million in the next financial year.

"This agreement will increase general practice’s share of the NHS budget from approximately 6% to 7%. While this is a step in the right direction, it falls short of what is needed to shift care into the community. A decade ago, general practice received approximately 11% of the NHS budget.

"The additional funding in this budget, along with the longer-term deal, should be viewed as a stabilisation measure. It will help practices retain and recruit more GPs, enabling them to grow capacity and be better able to care for their patients.

"However, if the Scottish Government is serious about its ambition to deliver more care in the community, this must be backed by a significant shift in resources, including finance, workforce, and infrastructure. Returning general practice funding to at least 11% of the NHS budget, and working towards 15% over the longer term is essential to empower GPs to provide more care closer to home.”

Further information

Media requests to Marcus Carslaw, Policy and Public Relations Officer RCGP Scotland
Tel: 07808 795493
marcus.carslaw@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

RCGP Scotland represents a network of around 5,000 doctors in Scotland aiming to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standard of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on resources, education, training, research, and clinical standards.