Funding of varying amounts is to be made available to over 1,000 GP practices across the country for premises projects during the 2015/16 tax year, either for new buildings or improvements to existing facilities.

Out of the £190m earmarked for premises projects, two practices will receive investment worth £5m each, while a further 32 projects, some involving multiple practices, have been given between £1.1m and £5m. However the bulk of the projects will receive less than £100,000 or sums up to £500,000.

The successful applicants had to show the extent to which the investment would increase patient contact time and help to reduce emergencies for the over 75s, while according to NHS England, the projects approved were aimed at increasing space so that the practices could offer more appointments or care for more frail elderly out of hospital.

A statement by NHS England said that the funding will help to improve GPs’ premises to benefit both patients and professionals working in primary care, either through making improvements to existing buildings or through the creation of new ones.

The funding will also help practices to harness technology and give them the space to offer more appointments and improved care for the frail elderly in the community, which is essential in supporting the reduction of hospital admissions.

In addition, further funding will be going towards improving IT in GP practices through the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund, which is aimed at improving access to general practice and stimulating innovative ways of providing primary care services.

The General Practitioners’ Committee (GPC) welcomed news of the funding, with a spokesman for the Committee saying that it was a “significant step forward”. However, he added that there is still a long way to go before all GP facilities are fit for purpose.