How should PCTs in deficit implement PBC?
Answer PBC policy was developed to improve services for patients, by engaging clinicians more in commissioning. This process will involve PCTs operating to ‘invest to save’, and we appreciate that this may be more challenging for those in a financial deficit position. The PCT has a statutory responsibility to achieve financial balance. PBC can make a contribution to this through freeing up resources and producing savings, and incentivising GPs to engage in PBC is a key route to achieving financial balance. However, for PBC to be successful it is imperative that practices are allowed to use a minimum of 70 percent of freed-up resources for reinvestment in patient care. It is not acceptable to withhold freed-up resources and practices must always be provided with fair and realistic indicative budgets, which should not be allocated with elements top-sliced to resolve PCT deficits. We expect that all freed up resources would be reinvested in line with the overall strategic vision for PBC.
