A multi-billion pound plan to rescue general practice is launched today.

Spending on general practice is to increase by £2.4 billion a year by 2021 – a 14% increase, NHS England said.

The plan was welcomed by one senior GP as the “most significant announcement” on the subject for 50 years.

It promises a programme to support struggling practices and the “streamlining” of the inspection regime together with support for GPs suffering from stress.

NHS England promised cuts in red tape and action to reduce “inappropriate” demands on practices.

It also set out how it would recruit an extra 5,000 GPs over the next five years together with hundreds of mental health therapists, practice nurses, physician assistants and practice-based clinical pharmacists.

The plan says a new voluntary GP contract will support integrated primary and community health services. It promises practical support for practices, federations and super-partnerships.

British Medical Association GP committee chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul said: “It is vital that GPs and staff see tangible delivery against these commitments, so that the words are translated into action.

“GP practices must receive the immediate and urgent support needed, as well as the infrastructure for a sustainable future, which will attract younger doctors to become GPs, and enable existing GPs to remain working.”

Royal College of GPs chair Dr Maureen Baker said it was “the most significant announcement for our profession since the 1960s.

“For too long GPs – and our members – have been undervalued, underfunded, and not recognised for the essential role we play in keeping the health service sustainable and safe for patients. We genuinely hope that today’s news marks a turning point for general practice.”

She added: “Today’s announcement is a huge and important step in the right direction, and if implemented correctly, our profession, the wider NHS, and most importantly, our patients will reap the benefits.

“Crucially, it will send a loud and clear message to those about to embark on a career in general practice, and medical students considering it, that their future as a GP will be attractive and secure.”

The General Medical Council said it would be “carefully” evaluating the impact of revalidation on GPs.

Chief executive Niall Dickson said: “This plan commits us, the Care Quality Commission and NHS England to work more closely together to reduce and align the requirements that we place on general practice. It is important that we address any unnecessary overlaps as well as gaps.”

NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said the NHS had “at last” openly acknowledged the pressure on GPs.

The NHS England director of primary care Dr Arvind Madan said: “We are acutely aware of the pressures GPs are facing right now and the need to get on track as quickly as possible.

“This means that practices, working together, will benefit from access to support if they are struggling to meet patient’s needs, reductions in unnecessary workload, more opportunities to recruit staff and a chance to improve use of their technology or premises.

“We know this is just the start of the journey but we are determined to get this right for the benefit of patients, GPs and the wider healthcare system.”