DWP proposes 60% fee increase for GP factual reports

GPs have been asked for their views on a proposed fee rise for general practice factual report (GPFR) rates, which would come with several conditions.

The BMA said that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has proposed raising the fee paid for each completed GPFR from £33.50 to £53.50, a 60% increase from the current amount, in response to the union’s request for a higher rate.

However, it added that the offer comes with ‘several conditions’, including commitments to ‘encourage timely responses’, promote ‘high-quality’ reporting, facilitate training sessions, and support ‘ongoing digitisation efforts’.

The DWP would then review progress against each of these principles one year after the increase has landed and if they have not been met, the department ‘would reserve the right to return to the current fee’, the union added.

The BMA said: ‘The DWP has also stated that progress against these principles will be reviewed after one year, with the possibility of reverting to the previous fee if they are not met.

‘Your feedback will help us determine how best to respond to the DWP’s proposal and represent your interests in ongoing discussions. Please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey and share your perspective.

‘All answers are anonymous: personal details, such as your name or email, are not requested at any point. Analysis of the data will be in aggregate form and will not be used in any way that allows individuals to be identified.’

The survey is open until 30 April.

A DWP spokesperson told Pulse: ‘We are currently in commercial negotiations with the BMA on the fee paid for GP Factual Reports.

‘We cannot comment on ongoing negotiations; however we do value the medical evidence provided by GPs when evaluating benefit claims and are grateful for GPs taking the time and effort to complete them.

‘We are committed to cutting red tape in the NHS, freeing up GPs to spend more time treating patients.’

Last year, a study commissioned by the RCGP found that ‘unnecessary’ tasks – including personal Independence Payment (PIP) reports, DVLA forms and fit notes – were costing general practice more than £400 per GP per day.

At the end of last year, the BMA’s professional fees committee negotiated an increase in the fees paid by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to doctors submitting fitness-to-drive medical evidence.

The union has recently said that GPs are entitled to ask for a fee for providing safeguarding services, as these fall outside their core contract.