NHS London Weighting (HCAS)
Zone Check & Rates 2025/26
NHS staff working in and around London receive a High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) on top of their basic salary. Use this guide to find out which zone your workplace falls into.
Current HCAS Rates (2025/26)
| Zone | Uplift % | Min Payment | Max Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner London | 20% | £5,323 | £8,085 |
| Outer London | 15% | £4,457 | £5,582 |
| Fringe | 5% | £1,224 | £2,137 |
Inner London Zone (20%)
Includes Boroughs and NHS Trusts located in central London. If you work in these areas, select "Inner" in the calculator.
- • Camden
- • City of London
- • Hackney
- • Hammersmith & Fulham
- • Haringey
- • Islington
- • Kensington & Chelsea
- • Lambeth
- • Lewisham
- • Newham
- • Southwark
- • Tower Hamlets
- • Wandsworth
- • Westminster
Outer London Zone (15%)
Covers the Greater London suburbs. If your workplace is in these boroughs, select "Outer" in the calculator.
- • Barking & Dagenham
- • Barnet
- • Bexley
- • Brent
- • Bromley
- • Croydon
- • Ealing
- • Enfield
- • Greenwich
- • Harrow
- • Havering
- • Hillingdon
- • Hounslow
- • Kingston upon Thames
- • Merton
- • Redbridge
- • Richmond upon Thames
- • Sutton
- • Waltham Forest
Fringe Zone (5%)
Specific areas just outside the M25 border. Generally applies to former PCT areas listed below. Select "Fringe".
- • Basildon
- • Bracknell Forest
- • Brentwood
- • Broxbourne
- • Dartford
- • Elmbridge
- • Epping Forest
- • Epsom & Ewell
- • Guildford
- • Hertsmere
- • Mole Valley
- • Reigate & Banstead
- • Runnymede
- • Slough
- • Spelthorne
- • St Albans
- • Three Rivers
- • Thurrock
- • Watford
- • Waverley
- • Welwyn Hatfield
- • Windsor & Maidenhead
- • Woking
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS)?
HCAS, commonly known as London Weighting, is an additional payment for NHS staff working in high-cost areas. It is calculated as a percentage of your basic salary, subject to a minimum and maximum payment.
Is NHS London Weighting pensionable?
Yes, High Cost Area Supplements are treated as pensionable pay. This means your NHS pension contributions will be calculated based on your basic salary plus your HCAS payment.
How much is Inner London Weighting for the NHS?
Inner London Weighting is 20% of your basic salary, with a minimum payment of £5,323 and a maximum cap of £8,085 for the 2025/26 tax year.
Ready to calculate your take-home pay?
Now you know your zone, head back to the calculator to see your exact salary breakdown including pension and tax.
Go to Calculator