Significant changes in the structure of the NHS mean that, as of 31 March 2013, primary care trusts (PCTs) no longer exist, impacting on practice income and pensions, writes Glyn Rawlings, medical specialist at Rowleys.

I have being speaking at conferences and with many regional practice managers over the recent months to talk about the changes and the potential impact on practice income and operations as well as helping them to prepare for Real-Time Information (RTI).

There are two specific changes relating to pensions that are imminent, which MGI members should be talking to their GP clients about:

1.  Pension Increases

This month (April) sees the second stage of NHS Pension Contributions increasing and this will impact on every member of the NHS scheme earning more than £7.91 per hour.

2.  Pensions and Locums
Also from this month, there will be a change in the way that GP locum pensions are handled. At the moment, the PCT is the employing authority and they are responsible for the employer’s contributions. This will change from this month and, whilst the finer detail is not yet available, it is planned that GP practices will become the employing authority and will account for the contributions. Practices need to be aware of this when agreeing locum rates or exploring using agency locums.

If we can be of further help please contact myself or Paula Swann-Jones on 0116 2827000 or by emailglyn@rowleys.biz or paula@rowleys.biz