G.P.

"When I created this group, it was very much pushing on an open door," said founder and GP Rebecca Foljambe.

The government has said the NHS and the rest of the public sector would be shielded from the rise but that does not cover GP practices, many of which are run as small businesses.

Dr Andrew Purbrick, who represents 300 GP practices across the south of England, said many would be forced to cut back on staffing or close.

GP practices receive their funding through contracts with the NHS.

"Practices are going to have to make difficult decisions around recruitment and replacing staff, which will have an impact on patient access to see a GP."