Written questions by Evans.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 April 2025 to Question 43999 on NHS England, what evidence is being collected from these ongoing assessments.

At this stage, it is too early to share details of the assessments. The joint programme team has been assessing resourcing, responsibilities and functions from across both organisations, whilst also mapping statutory functions.The Government is committed to transparency to Parliament, staff and the public. When appropriate, we will update Parliament on progress with the plans for the organisational changes.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 April 2025 to Question 43997 on NHS England: ICT, if he will publish a (a) timeline and (b) outline of the plans he intends to put in place to ensure a smooth integration of IT systems.

Ministers and senior Department officials are working closely with the new NHS England executive team on the creation of a new centre and to ensure delivery is prioritised and protected during this period of change. The Government is committed to transparency to Parliament, staff and the public.When appropriate, we will update Parliament on progress with the plans for the organisational changes. We will put plans in place to ensure, where appropriate, a smooth integration of internal IT systems; and the continued operation of those providing live services to the National Health Service.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 April 2025 to Question 44003 on NHS England, what his planned timetable is to determine the (a) leadership, (b) structure and (c) requirements for abolishing NHS England.

Work has already begun on bringing teams in NHS England and the Department even closer together, to share knowledge and allow for joint planning, whilst we progress the design of the new centre, so clarity can be given to staff as soon as possible. This is in line with the one-team culture we have been building over the past eight months.Since the announcement, the Department has set up a joint board, assessed resources and responsibilities across existing organisations, developed proposals on the role, functions, and structure of the new centre, and started detailed operational and legislative planning.NHS England will continue to carry out its statutory duties until parliamentary time allows for legislation to be brought forward. We are aiming for the work to be completed within two years.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of implementing new caps on clinical pathway consultations on Pharmacy First from April 2025.

Caps on Pharmacy First clinical pathway consultations were first introduced in April 2024. In October 2024, the methodology used to calculate clinical pathway caps changed to be based on actual delivery, and from April 2025 caps will be calculated monthly instead of quarterly.As part of the 2024/25 and 2025/26 Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework, we have agreed to maintain the current cost control mechanism linked to Pharmacy First, which will manage the growth of the service to ensure delivery remains within the agreed funding envelope. This methodology has been designed to ensure fair and consistent access for all contractors. Any underspend, where caps are not met, will be redistributed and moved into subsequent months.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of trends in the number of GP appointments in the last five years.

Appointment numbers continue to increase year-on-year, and in the 12 months to March 2025 an estimated 383.4 million appointments were delivered. This is an increase of 3.7% compared to the 12 months up to March 2024, with 369.7 million appointments delivered, and an increase of 23.6% compared to the 12 months up to March 2020, with 310.3 million appointments delivered.In response to this growing demand, the Government has invested £82 million in the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme, which has enabled the recruitment of more than 1,500 recently qualified general practitioners (GPs) in England since October. This will increase the number of available appointments, secure the future supply of GPs, and alleviate the pressure on those currently working in the system.

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 April 2025 to Question 45881 on NHS England: Redundancy Pay, if he will publish the modelling data on the offsetting of the redundancy package costs.

It is only right that with such significant reform, we commit to carefully assessing and understanding the potential impacts and costs, as is due process. Evidence from these ongoing assessments will inform our programme as appropriate.The Government is committed to transparency and will consider how best to ensure that the public and parliamentarians are informed of the outcomes.

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 April 2025 to Question 45881 on NHS England: Redundancy Pay, on what evidential basis he said that the cost of abolishing NHS England will be offset by future reductions in spending.

The organisational change programme is still in its early phases, but we expect a contribution to overall efficiency to be realised from functional integration, more coherent policy and delivery alignment, and improved performance and accountability mechanisms, which will all in turn reduce reporting burdens and empower local leaders. While there will be some upfront costs, we expect the reform to wipe out duplication and drive a smaller centre, based in a single organisation, will generate significant savings in the long run allowing us to divert savings to the front line. Further detail will be provided as the programme develops.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 April 2025 to Question 43999 on NHS England, if he will publish the evidence from the ongoing assessments.

It is only right that with such significant reform, we commit to carefully assessing and understanding the potential impacts, as is due process. Evidence from these ongoing assessments will inform our programme as appropriate.The Government is committed to transparency and will consider how best to ensure that the public and parliamentarians are informed of the outcomes.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 April 2025 to Question 44003 on NHS England, when the next meeting between Ministers and the new executive team in NHS England is planned.

Ministers and senior Department officials are working closely with the new NHS England executive team on the creation of a new centre and to ensure delivery is prioritised and protected during this period of change.Ministers meet regularly with members of the new NHS England executive team on a range of topics.

If he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the number of (a) GP appointments and (b) GPs recruited through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme since August 2024.

Appointment numbers continue to increase year-on-year, and in the 12 months to March 2025 an estimated 383.4 million appointments were delivered. This is an increase of 3.7% compared to the 12 months up to March 2024, with 369.7 million appointments delivered, and an increase of 23.6% compared to the 12 months up to March 2020, with 310.3 million appointments delivered.In response to this growing demand, the Government has invested £82 million in the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme, which has enabled the recruitment of more than 1,500 recently qualified general practitioners (GPs) in England since October. This will increase the number of available appointments, secure the future supply of GPs, and alleviate the pressure on those currently working in the system.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 April 2025 to Question 43996 on NHS England, what plans his Department plans to put in place to help ensure that there are no risks to patient safety.

NHS England will continue to undertake its statutory functions while working with the new NHS England executive during the transition, until parliamentary time allows for primary legislative changes to be made.Patient safety will remain paramount over this transformation period. We will put plans in place to ensure continuity of care and that there are no risks to patient safety.

Whether Baroness Casey has begun the independent commission into adult social care.

The independent commission into adult social care, chaired by Baroness Louise Casey of Blackstock DBE CB, formally launched on 29 April 2025 with a meeting with people who draw on social care. On 2 May 2025, the Government published the terms of reference, outlining the scope of the commission’s work, which are available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-commission-into-adult-social-care-terms-of-reference/independent-commission-into-adult-social-care-terms-of-reference

What resources have been provided to Baroness Casey to support (a) the independent commission into adult social care and (b) associated costs.

The terms of reference set out that Baroness Casey of Blackstock DBE CB will lead the commission’s work fully independently, with the Department of Health and Social Care as the lead sponsor department. All relevant Government departments will cooperate fully, be transparent, and will provide all data and analysis needed to support the commission. The commission will report on its financial expenditure in due course. The terms of reference are available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-commission-into-adult-social-care-terms-of-reference/independent-commission-into-adult-social-care-terms-of-reference

How many positions were funded using the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme per year since 2019; and in what roles.

The following table shows the number of full-time equivalent direct patient care staff positions that have been recruited as of each December over the last four years, within general practice and primary care networks, (PCNs) and breaks this down by the role they were recruited to:RoleDecember 2021December 2022December 2023December 2024Total for all Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme eligible roles15,36924,49935,80837,539Advanced Dietician Practitioners-111010Advanced Occupational Therapist Practitioners-201922Advanced Paramedic Practitioners-434594669Advanced Pharmacist Practitioners-679831916Advanced Physiotherapist Practitioners-113197219Advanced Podiatrist Practitioners-465Apprentice Physician Associates--2013Care Coordinators2,0824,1436,8227,062Dieticians67127176168General Practice Assistants--2,1482,670First Contact Physiotherapists1,0631,6202,0462,156Health and Wellbeing Coaches5161,0311,3411,294Mental Health Practitioners--1,0501,238Nursing Associates3346309851,242Paramedics1,2881,7052,2122,227Pharmacists5,1566,5347,9358,153Pharmacy Technicians1,1401,8912,5982,806Physician Associates1,0411,5412,0092,068Podiatrists30576060Social Prescribing Link Workers2,2293,1253,6643,543Therapists - Occupational Therapists111187224218Trainee Nursing Associates310647859781Source: the data is only available from September 2021, and is published quarterly by NHS England at the following link: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/primary-care-workforce-quarterly-updateThis data does not distinguish between staff recruited through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme or through other routes. The most recent complete year for which data is available on underspend for the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme is 2023/24. The maximum value of PCN level entitlements available under the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme in 2023/24 was £1,412 million. Total expenditure by PCNs in 2023/24 was £88 million, below the maximum entitlements.

What the underspend for the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme was in the most recent year for which data is available.

The following table shows the number of full-time equivalent direct patient care staff positions that have been recruited as of each December over the last four years, within general practice and primary care networks, (PCNs) and breaks this down by the role they were recruited to:RoleDecember 2021December 2022December 2023December 2024Total for all Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme eligible roles15,36924,49935,80837,539Advanced Dietician Practitioners-111010Advanced Occupational Therapist Practitioners-201922Advanced Paramedic Practitioners-434594669Advanced Pharmacist Practitioners-679831916Advanced Physiotherapist Practitioners-113197219Advanced Podiatrist Practitioners-465Apprentice Physician Associates--2013Care Coordinators2,0824,1436,8227,062Dieticians67127176168General Practice Assistants--2,1482,670First Contact Physiotherapists1,0631,6202,0462,156Health and Wellbeing Coaches5161,0311,3411,294Mental Health Practitioners--1,0501,238Nursing Associates3346309851,242Paramedics1,2881,7052,2122,227Pharmacists5,1566,5347,9358,153Pharmacy Technicians1,1401,8912,5982,806Physician Associates1,0411,5412,0092,068Podiatrists30576060Social Prescribing Link Workers2,2293,1253,6643,543Therapists - Occupational Therapists111187224218Trainee Nursing Associates310647859781Source: the data is only available from September 2021, and is published quarterly by NHS England at the following link: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/primary-care-workforce-quarterly-updateThis data does not distinguish between staff recruited through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme or through other routes. The most recent complete year for which data is available on underspend for the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme is 2023/24. The maximum value of PCN level entitlements available under the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme in 2023/24 was £1,412 million. Total expenditure by PCNs in 2023/24 was £88 million, below the maximum entitlements.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his Department's policies on overprescribing.

The National Health Service and its partner organisations are responding to the challenge of overprescribing, as set out in the Government’s review of overprescribing, Good for you, good for us, good for everybody, in September 2021. Due to the multifaceted nature of overprescribing and the interventions used to address it, it is challenging to evaluate the effectiveness of individual policies and interventions. However, where an evaluation has been possible, there is evidence of reduced potential harms and more optimised use of medicines, for example prescribing volumes of unsafe and ineffective items, such as coproxamol and homeopathy, have reduced by 90% since policy interventions were implemented. Structured medication reviews remain a service requirement, as part of the 2025/2026 DES contract for primary care networks (PCNs). In addition to the primary care contract, medication reviews are outlined in NHS England’s Neighbourhood health guidelines 2025/26, as an essential part of the core components associated with the neighbourhood multidisciplinary team and an effective neighbourhood service. Further information on the DES contract for primary care networks and NHS England’s Neighbourhood health guidelines 2025/26 is available, respectively, at the following two links: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PRN01903-network-contract-des-contract-specification-2025-26-v1.1.pdf https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/neighbourhood-health-guidelines-2025-26/ NHS England is progressing a range of interventions to ensure that records can be safely shared and accessed across care settings by patients and health and care professionals, to support effective medicine optimisation. This includes progress in rolling out digital social care records (DSCRs). For example, this April, NHS England published a data standard for DSCRs that will ensure that core information is captured consistently across people, places, and providers. In the past 12 months, the following has been undertaken, which has raised awareness of overprescribing:the National Medicines Optimisation Opportunities for integrated care boards (ICBs) was updated in September 2024, and includes nine opportunities associated with overprescribing for ICBs to consider;NHS England commissioned the Health Innovation Network to deliver training, education, and masterclasses on a range of overprescribing related topics to support clinicians to better understand the data, and build skills and experience in deprescribing; andHealth Innovation Network guidance was published in early 2025 for ICBs and PCNs on overprescribing and problematic polypharmacy.

With reference to his Department's report entitled Good for you, good for us, good for everybody, published in 2021, whether he has had recent discussions with NHS England on improving awareness of overprescribing.

The National Health Service and its partner organisations are responding to the challenge of overprescribing, as set out in the Government’s review of overprescribing, Good for you, good for us, good for everybody, in September 2021. Due to the multifaceted nature of overprescribing and the interventions used to address it, it is challenging to evaluate the effectiveness of individual policies and interventions. However, where an evaluation has been possible, there is evidence of reduced potential harms and more optimised use of medicines, for example prescribing volumes of unsafe and ineffective items, such as coproxamol and homeopathy, have reduced by 90% since policy interventions were implemented. Structured medication reviews remain a service requirement, as part of the 2025/2026 DES contract for primary care networks (PCNs). In addition to the primary care contract, medication reviews are outlined in NHS England’s Neighbourhood health guidelines 2025/26, as an essential part of the core components associated with the neighbourhood multidisciplinary team and an effective neighbourhood service. Further information on the DES contract for primary care networks and NHS England’s Neighbourhood health guidelines 2025/26 is available, respectively, at the following two links: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PRN01903-network-contract-des-contract-specification-2025-26-v1.1.pdf https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/neighbourhood-health-guidelines-2025-26/ NHS England is progressing a range of interventions to ensure that records can be safely shared and accessed across care settings by patients and health and care professionals, to support effective medicine optimisation. This includes progress in rolling out digital social care records (DSCRs). For example, this April, NHS England published a data standard for DSCRs that will ensure that core information is captured consistently across people, places, and providers. In the past 12 months, the following has been undertaken, which has raised awareness of overprescribing:the National Medicines Optimisation Opportunities for integrated care boards (ICBs) was updated in September 2024, and includes nine opportunities associated with overprescribing for ICBs to consider;NHS England commissioned the Health Innovation Network to deliver training, education, and masterclasses on a range of overprescribing related topics to support clinicians to better understand the data, and build skills and experience in deprescribing; andHealth Innovation Network guidance was published in early 2025 for ICBs and PCNs on overprescribing and problematic polypharmacy.

With reference to his Department's report entitled Good for you, good for us, good for everybody, published in 2021, if he will take steps to expand structured medication reviews.

The National Health Service and its partner organisations are responding to the challenge of overprescribing, as set out in the Government’s review of overprescribing, Good for you, good for us, good for everybody, in September 2021. Due to the multifaceted nature of overprescribing and the interventions used to address it, it is challenging to evaluate the effectiveness of individual policies and interventions. However, where an evaluation has been possible, there is evidence of reduced potential harms and more optimised use of medicines, for example prescribing volumes of unsafe and ineffective items, such as coproxamol and homeopathy, have reduced by 90% since policy interventions were implemented. Structured medication reviews remain a service requirement, as part of the 2025/2026 DES contract for primary care networks (PCNs). In addition to the primary care contract, medication reviews are outlined in NHS England’s Neighbourhood health guidelines 2025/26, as an essential part of the core components associated with the neighbourhood multidisciplinary team and an effective neighbourhood service. Further information on the DES contract for primary care networks and NHS England’s Neighbourhood health guidelines 2025/26 is available, respectively, at the following two links: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PRN01903-network-contract-des-contract-specification-2025-26-v1.1.pdf https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/neighbourhood-health-guidelines-2025-26/ NHS England is progressing a range of interventions to ensure that records can be safely shared and accessed across care settings by patients and health and care professionals, to support effective medicine optimisation. This includes progress in rolling out digital social care records (DSCRs). For example, this April, NHS England published a data standard for DSCRs that will ensure that core information is captured consistently across people, places, and providers. In the past 12 months, the following has been undertaken, which has raised awareness of overprescribing:the National Medicines Optimisation Opportunities for integrated care boards (ICBs) was updated in September 2024, and includes nine opportunities associated with overprescribing for ICBs to consider;NHS England commissioned the Health Innovation Network to deliver training, education, and masterclasses on a range of overprescribing related topics to support clinicians to better understand the data, and build skills and experience in deprescribing; andHealth Innovation Network guidance was published in early 2025 for ICBs and PCNs on overprescribing and problematic polypharmacy.

With reference to his Department's report entitled Good for you, good for us, good for everybody, published in 2021, what progress his Department has made on improving data sharing across care settings.

The National Health Service and its partner organisations are responding to the challenge of overprescribing, as set out in the Government’s review of overprescribing, Good for you, good for us, good for everybody, in September 2021. Due to the multifaceted nature of overprescribing and the interventions used to address it, it is challenging to evaluate the effectiveness of individual policies and interventions. However, where an evaluation has been possible, there is evidence of reduced potential harms and more optimised use of medicines, for example prescribing volumes of unsafe and ineffective items, such as coproxamol and homeopathy, have reduced by 90% since policy interventions were implemented. Structured medication reviews remain a service requirement, as part of the 2025/2026 DES contract for primary care networks (PCNs). In addition to the primary care contract, medication reviews are outlined in NHS England’s Neighbourhood health guidelines 2025/26, as an essential part of the core components associated with the neighbourhood multidisciplinary team and an effective neighbourhood service. Further information on the DES contract for primary care networks and NHS England’s Neighbourhood health guidelines 2025/26 is available, respectively, at the following two links: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PRN01903-network-contract-des-contract-specification-2025-26-v1.1.pdf https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/neighbourhood-health-guidelines-2025-26/ NHS England is progressing a range of interventions to ensure that records can be safely shared and accessed across care settings by patients and health and care professionals, to support effective medicine optimisation. This includes progress in rolling out digital social care records (DSCRs). For example, this April, NHS England published a data standard for DSCRs that will ensure that core information is captured consistently across people, places, and providers. In the past 12 months, the following has been undertaken, which has raised awareness of overprescribing:the National Medicines Optimisation Opportunities for integrated care boards (ICBs) was updated in September 2024, and includes nine opportunities associated with overprescribing for ICBs to consider;NHS England commissioned the Health Innovation Network to deliver training, education, and masterclasses on a range of overprescribing related topics to support clinicians to better understand the data, and build skills and experience in deprescribing; andHealth Innovation Network guidance was published in early 2025 for ICBs and PCNs on overprescribing and problematic polypharmacy.

With reference to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman’s Annual Review of Adult Social Care Complaints 2023-24, published in September 2024, if he will undertake a review of the proportion of complaints received from privately funded care.

We are aware of both the Annual Review and Triennial Review from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) and support the work they do to ensure that those receiving care, whether self-funded or placed by their local authority, are aware of the options available to them if they wish to escalate their complaint. We are working across the Government on a response to the LGSCO’s recommendations, including on increasing awareness of the role of the LGSCO for those privately funding their care.