The measures are included in proposed changes to the GP contract in England - the government says it will add an extra 889m to the existing budget. The doctors' union, the BMA, which will now consult its members on the proposals, says GP practices have been worried about finances but this could provide 'an important lifeline'. Under this new contract, the government wants to reduce the number of targets that GPs have to meet and allow greater flexibility for surgeries to employ healthcare staff.