PCNs continue to receive monthly Capacity and Access Support Payments as described in the Network Contract DES; contract specification 2025/26 (page 57-59) - this can be used flexibly to enable joint working to improve access.

PCNs can claim a 2024/25 Capacity and Access Improvement Payment as described in this guidance (page 45-48) in-year once all practices evidence (using national criteria) that they have successfully made the transition to modern general practice. The ICB will write to PCN clinical directors about claiming funding once assurance and payments have been completed for 2023/24 plans.

PCNs can submit either or both webforms (domains) once the requirements have been met, to access that share of the funding. Any submissions received will be paid at the end of that quarter (unless insufficient time to arrange payment between receipt of the webform and end of the quarter). All submissions must be made by 31st March 2026 to ensure payments.

In line with the national capacity and access guidance, clinical directors are asked to confirm that all practices in their PCN have met the minimum requirements to receive each element of the improvement payment. Free text responses are available to articulate how the PCN is meeting each requirement. In addition to confirming delivery of the requirements, supporting examples will help the ICB to understand how PCNs are working together and where the ICB can best support delivery to ensure all PCNs achieve their improvement payments.

Below are links to the webforms:

• Risk stratification
• Support modern general practice access