Although we have not published any information yet around the Network Contract DES (which will come in the next edition), there has been a contract variation published – headline topics include:
Local variation arrangements – In certain areas of the DES, ICB’s are able to request local variations to the DES, offering greater flexibility to tailor local services where existing contracts may apply.
Further ARRS Flexibility – from 1 May 2026 additional flexibilities into the ARRS rules have been introduced. These changes allow GPs and Band 5 and 6 practice nurses who were funded either through the PCN Capacity and Access Payment (CAP) in 2025/26 or the PCN Test Sites Programme to transition into the ARRS, subject to funding availability.
Member practices will automatically participate in this variation unless they follow the official opt-out process.
