Call for Evidence: Improving Access to Primary Care Services

Policy Connect, in partnership with the All-Party Parliamentary Health Group (APPG for Health), is launching a Call for Evidence to inform its inquiry into Improving Access to Primary Care Services.

Primary care services are the cornerstone of NHS provision, yet access to general practice, community pharmacy, dentistry and optometry is becoming increasingly difficult. Rising patient demand, persistent workforce shortages, declining investment particularly in deprived areas regional disparities and inconsistent digital integration are placing growing pressure on services and widening health inequalities. These access challenges undermine patient experience and trust and contribute to avoidable pressures across the wider health system.

Despite recent policy initiatives and increased political attention, robust evidence points to ongoing barriers including workforce shortages, outdated infrastructure, fragmented funding and commissioning arrangements, digital exclusion, and uneven implementation of integrated care models. The COVID-19 pandemic and repeated funding disruptions have further intensified these challenges.

This inquiry examines how access to primary care can be improved in a sustainable, equitable, and accountable way, aligned with the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan. It aims to develop evidence-based, cross-party policy recommendations that support long-term improvements in access to primary care services and are resilient beyond electoral cycles.

The inquiry is co-chaired by Dr Simon Opher MP (Labour), Jess Brown-Fuller MP (Liberal Democrat), Lord Kamall (Conservative), and Sadik Al-Hassan MP (Labour), reflecting a strong cross-party commitment to addressing the challenges facing primary care. It is supported by an expert steering group and sponsored by the University of Essex and Assura.

The Call for Evidence seeks views from healthcare professionals, primary care providers, patient organisations, professional bodies, policymakers, academics, system leaders, and industry stakeholders. Submissions are encouraged to include quantitative data, practical examples, and case studies where possible.

Evidence will inform the inquiry’s findings and the development of policy recommendations for Government, NHS England, Integrated Care Systems, and other decision-makers.

The inquiry’s questions are grouped under the following themes:

• Reducing Health Inequalities and Access Barriers
• Harnessing Digital Transformation and System Integration
• Securing Long-Term Sustainability in Primary Care (including funding, commissioning and contracts, estates, and workforce)
• Additional Considerations

How to submit evidence:

1. Download the questions pack found on the right side of this page under ‘related content’.
2. Read through the instructions and questions carefully. You may only wish to submit evidence for some of the questions.
3. Ensure that the submissions permissions section is included in your final document.
4. If you choose to submit a case study, please ensure you follow the case study template provided at the top of the questions pack.
5. Submit your evidence as Word Document or PDF to PC.Health@policyconnect.org.uk 

The deadline for the submission of evidence is 11:59pm on 27 February 2026.

If you have any questions about the inquiry, the Call for Evidence, or Policy Connect, please contact Jasmin.Adebisi@policyconnect.org.uk.