Unspent ARRS Funding: How PCNs Can Avoid Missing Out on Critical Resources
- Mohammed A Rashad
- Jun 3
- 5 min read
£88 million. That’s the staggering amount of unspent ARRS funding (2023/24) reported across Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in the UK. While this funding was designed to revolutionise primary care by expanding workforce capacity and improving patient outcomes, a significant portion remains untouched—leaving critical resources untapped and opportunities missed.
For PCNs already grappling with workforce shortages and increasing patient demands, this underspend represents more than just a financial oversight; it’s a missed chance to transform care delivery. So, why is this happening, and how can PCNs ensure they don’t fall into the same trap?
In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons behind unspent ARRS funding, the consequences of inaction, and actionable strategies to help PCNs unlock the full potential of this vital resource.
Key Takeaways
What is ARRS
The ARRS is a key component of the NHS Long Term Plan, designed to address workforce shortages in primary care by enabling PCNs to recruit additional healthcare professionals. These roles include clinical pharmacists, social prescribing link workers, paramedics, physiotherapists, and more.
The scheme aims to:
Expand the primary care workforce to meet growing patient demands.
Reduce the workload on GPs by delegating tasks to other qualified professionals.
Improve patient access to specialised care and services.
ARRS funding is a game-changer for PCNs, offering the financial support needed to build multidisciplinary teams and deliver more comprehensive care. However, the underspending of this funding undermines its purpose, leaving PCNs struggling to meet their goals.
The Scale of the Problem: Unspent ARRS Funding
Recent reports reveal that PCNs have underspent ARRS funding by £88 million. This is not just a financial issue—it’s a missed opportunity to enhance healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.
Why is ARRS Funding Being Left Unspent?
Several factors contribute to this underspend:
Recruitment Challenges: Many PCNs face difficulties in finding and hiring qualified professionals for ARRS-funded roles.
Lack of Awareness: Some PCNs are unaware of the full scope of roles that can be funded under ARRS, leading to underutilisation.
Administrative Barriers: Complex processes and delays in approvals can discourage PCNs from fully utilising the funding.
Workforce Shortages: National shortages in healthcare professionals make it harder to fill ARRS-funded positions.
These challenges highlight the need for better planning, support, and awareness to ensure the effective use of ARRS funding.
The Consequences of Unspent ARRS Funding
Failing to utilise ARRS funding has far-reaching consequences for PCNs, healthcare professionals, and patients.
1. Missed Opportunities for Workforce Expansion
Unspent funding means fewer healthcare professionals are recruited, leaving existing
staff overburdened and patients underserved.
2. Increased Pressure on GPs
Without additional staff, GPs continue to shoulder a disproportionate workload, leading to burnout and reduced efficiency.
3. Delayed Progress in NHS Goals
The NHS Long Term Plan relies on ARRS to transform primary care. Underspending delays progress towards these goals, affecting the quality of care.
4. Risk of Future Funding Cuts
If PCNs consistently fail to utilise their allocated funding, it could lead to reduced allocations in future years, further limiting their ability to improve services.
How PCNs Can Maximise ARRS Funding
To avoid missing out on critical resources, PCNs must adopt proactive strategies to utilise ARRS funding fully. Here are some actionable steps:
1. Develop a Clear Workforce Plan
Identify Gaps: Conduct a needs assessment to identify areas where additional staff are most needed.
Prioritise Roles: Focus on high-impact roles, such as clinical pharmacists or social prescribing link workers, that can immediately alleviate GP workload.
Set Recruitment Goals: Establish clear timelines and targets for hiring ARRS-funded staff.
2. Streamline Recruitment Processes
Collaborate with Recruitment Agencies: Partner with agencies experienced in healthcare recruitment to find qualified candidates quickly.
Simplify Approvals: Work with NHS England to streamline administrative processes and reduce delays.
Offer Competitive Packages: Use ARRS funding to provide attractive salaries and benefits to recruit and retain top talent.
3. Increase Awareness and Training
Educate PCN Leaders: Ensure PCN managers and decision-makers understand the full scope of ARRS funding and eligible roles.
Provide Training: Offer training programmes for new recruits to help them integrate into the team and deliver value quickly.
Leverage Support Networks: Collaborate with organisations like The Medicines Management Team (TMMT) for guidance and best practices.
4. Monitor and Evaluate Progress
Track Spending: Regularly review ARRS spending to ensure funds are effectively utilized.
Measure Impact: Evaluate the impact of ARRS-funded roles on patient care and GP workload.
Adjust Plans: Use data insights to refine workforce plans and address gaps.
The Role of TMMT in Supporting PCNs
The Medicines Management Team (TMMT) is uniquely positioned to help PCNs maximise their ARRS funding. With expertise in medicines management and healthcare optimisation, TMMT offers tailored support to ensure PCNs can recruit, train, and retain the right professionals.
How TMMT Can Help
Workforce Planning: Assist PCNs in identifying high-priority roles and developing effective recruitment strategies.
Training and Development: Provide training programmes to upskill new recruits and existing staff.
Compliance Support: Ensure PCNs meet ARRS guidelines and avoid administrative pitfalls.
Ongoing Guidance: Offer continuous support to help PCNs adapt to changing needs and challenges.
By partnering with The Medicines Management Team, PCNs can unlock the full potential of ARRS funding and deliver better care to their communities.
Conclusion
Unspent ARRS funding represents a significant missed opportunity for PCNs to improve patient care, reduce GP workload, and achieve the NHS Long Term Plan goals. By adopting proactive strategies, streamlining recruitment, and leveraging support from organisations like TMMT, PCNs can ensure they make the most of this vital resource.
The time to act is now. Don’t let unspent ARRS funding hold your PCN back. Partner with The Medicines Management Team to unlock ARRS's full potential and transform primary care.
FAQs
What to do if a budget is underspent?
If your ARRS budget is underspent, start by reviewing your workforce plan to identify gaps and prioritise recruitment for high-impact roles. Collaborate with recruitment agencies or organisations like TMMT to streamline hiring processes and ensure the funding is utilised effectively before the financial year ends.
Will ARRS roles get a pay rise?
Pay for ARRS-funded roles is determined by NHS guidelines and local agreements. While there is no automatic pay rise, PCNs can use ARRS funding to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Will ARRS funding continue?
ARRS funding is part of the NHS Long Term Plan and is expected to continue until at least 2026. However, future allocations may depend on how effectively PCNs utilise the funding, making it crucial to avoid underspending.
How much is ARRS funding?
The total ARRS funding available varies by PCN and is based on the size of the population served. For 2024/25, the national ARRS budget was set at £1.44 billion, with allocations distributed across PCNs to support workforce expansion.
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