The growing costs of running a general practice mean that GPs’ income has fallen to a five year low—declining £6000 since 2005-6.

Figures from the NHS Health and Social Care Information Centre show that the average income for contract holding GPs before tax was £104 100 in 2010-11—a fall of 1.5% on the previous year and almost £6000 (€7500; $9700) lower than in 2005-6.1

The BMA said that GPs were providing an “exceptional value for money service” and were effectively accepting a pay cut so that they could maintain a high level of service to patients.

The report took into consideration the earnings and expenses of full and part time GPs and covered …