All of England will have GP “extended access” this year, according to NHS planners.

The programme is well ahead of schedule, allowing NHS England to set a deadline to complete it by October this year, according to an analysis of its planning guidance.

However the new target still means the number of practices offering the extended hours will have to double.

According to the guidance, GP extended opening is now available in 52% of England. It was due to reach half the population by April.

Introduction of extended hours has been controversial – with some studies suggesting it is not proving cost-effective. According to current rules, patients simply need to have access to services through a hub site to be counted as benefiting from GP extended hours.

The NHS England guidance also requires all practices to be part of local primary care networks within the next financial year, according to the analysis by the Health Service Journal.

It says a 4% increase in funding for general practice is to go ahead – but there will be no further cash.