Neighbourhood providers to gradually replace PCNs

Integrated care boards will be expected to offer GP practices additional services and funding to drive them to form new “neighbourhood providers” – but will get no new national money to do so.

NHS England launched a consultation today on its proposals for single neighbourhood provider (SNP) and multineighbourhood provider (MNP) contracts, which were proposed in the 10-Year Health Plan.

The documents said: “For general practice to opt out of the primary care network [directed enhanced service] and switch to an SNP contract, they will want to see not only simpler service specifications but additional services and funding.”

But they also state: “Local commissioners will have the flexibility to define most of the content [of the contracts] and fund [them] locally. There is no new national funding for these contracts.”

The consultation begins to describe a picture of how the contracts will sit alongside existing core GP contracts and gradually replace PCNs.

SNPs will deliver “enhanced” GP services, “lead” health services in the “local neighbourhood team”, plan and organise other NHS services, and coordinate non-NHS care and support with other organisations. The typical footprint is estimated at 50,000, but “footprints may vary”.

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Source: HSJ, 17 July 2026