Summary

In 2003, the Technical Steering Committee (TSC) began monitoring primary care expenditure against the Gross Investment Guarantees (GIGs) as part of its role in monitoring the new GMS contract.

This report monitors country level information for 2003/04 - 2005/06. This report has been agreed by TSC members from across the United Kingdom, from the Health Departments, NHS Employers and the BMA's General Practitioners' Committee.

Key facts

The main findings for the period 2003/04 2005/06 are as follows:

• in England, it is estimated that expenditure between 2003/04 and 2005/06 exceeded the guarantee by £1,732m (9.2 per cent). The total amount spent during this period was £20.5bn
• in Wales, it is estimated that expenditure over the three-year period exceeded the guarantee by £41m (3.7 per cent). The total amount spent during this period was £1.1bn
• in Northern Ireland, it is estimated that expenditure over the three-year period exceeded the guarantee by £68m (14.2 per cent). The total amount spent during this period was £0.5bn
• in Scotland we are not able to compare figures to a guarantee, but the report shows that £1.8bn was spent over the three year period.

Overall, in the UK, a total of £24bn was spent on general practice over the three year period.