NHS & Public Sector
NHS London Weighting 2026 — Inner, Outer and Fringe Allowances Explained
Working in the capital comes with higher living costs, which is why the NHS offers a High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS), commonly known as London Weighting. Here is what you receive and how it impacts your take-home pay.
What Is NHS London Weighting?
NHS London Weighting, officially called the High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS), is an additional payment given to Agenda for Change (AfC) staff working in and around London. It is designed to offset the significantly higher cost of living, commuting, and housing in the capital compared to the rest of the UK.
The Three Zones — Inner, Outer and Fringe
The allowance is split into three zones, depending on the location of your designated base of work. The percentages apply to your basic pay, subject to minimum and maximum amounts.
Inner London — +20%
Staff working in Inner London receive a 20% supplement on their basic salary. For 2026/27, this is subject to a minimum payment and a maximum cap, ensuring the lowest earners receive a meaningful boost while high earners are capped.
Outer London — +15%
Those in Outer London trusts receive a 15% supplement on top of their basic AfC pay, again subject to minimum and maximum thresholds.
London Fringe — +5%
For staff in the areas just outside Greater London, a 5% supplement is applied to their basic pay.
Calculate your NHS take-home with London weighting applied
Our calculator includes Inner, Outer and Fringe weighting for all bands.
NHS Pay Rise Calculator 2026/27 →How London Weighting Affects Your Actual Take-Home
Because London Weighting is treated as part of your standard salary, it is fully taxable. This means it is subject to Income Tax, National Insurance, and Student Loan deductions in exactly the same way as your basic pay.
Band 5 Example: Inner vs No Weighting
A Band 5 nurse working outside London receives their standard basic pay. A Band 5 nurse in Inner London receives the same basic pay plus a 20% supplement (subject to the minimum value). While the gross pay is significantly higher, the net take-home will be reduced by standard deductions, plus they may be pushed into a higher NHS Pension contribution tier.
Does London Weighting Count Towards NHS Pension?
Yes. The High Cost Area Supplement (London Weighting) forms part of your pensionable pay. This means your NHS Pension contributions will be calculated on your total salary including the weighting, which can result in a higher pension contribution tier. However, it also means your final pension benefits in retirement will be higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is NHS London weighting?
Inner London: +20% of basic salary. Outer London: +15%. London Fringe: +5%. These are permanent supplements to your AfC pay, not one-off payments.
Does NHS London weighting count towards pension calculations?
Yes. London weighting forms part of pensionable pay in the NHS pension scheme and is included in your pension contribution calculations and eventual pension benefit.
Am I entitled to London weighting if I work in multiple locations?
Your weighting is based on your designated base — the trust where your employment contract sits. If you work across multiple sites, check with your employer about how your base is designated.