The definitive 20/21 GP contractual changes and PCN DES documents have now been published: https://www.england.nhs.uk/gp/investment/gp-contract/
A lot has changed since the original contract was agreed and the focus of the PCN DES is now ostensibly mainly to support practices to increase their workforce and deal with the national emergency of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). GPC has put together a 2 page summary that available at the link below, but all GPs and practices must familiarise themselves with all the changes and specifications. Needless to say, the ongoing crisis will mean that general practice will need more support both in the short term and in the medium/long term and GPC has stated its intention to pursue this.
Clearly with the need for practices to work together to combat the pandemic the goalposts have changed considerably in respect of PCN DES participation; however practices may still choose to opt out if they feel that there are alternative ways of working with others to manage the crisis.