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Written question asked by Lee Dillon (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 22 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 January 2026. It was answered by Zubir Ahmed (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Health Services: Negligence

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of repealing section 2(4) of the Law Reform (Personal Injuries) Act 1948.

Answer

The rising costs of clinical negligence claims against the National Health Service in England are of great concern to the Government. Costs have more than doubled in the last ten years and are forecast to continue rising, putting further pressure on NHS finances.

Although forecasts remain uncertain, it is likely that the costs of clinical negligence will continue to grow substantially. The Government Actuary’s Department forecasts that annual payments for compensation and legal costs will increase from £3 billion in 2024/25 to £4.1 billion by 2029/30.

As announced in the 10-Year Health Plan for England, David Lock KC is providing expert policy advice on the rising costs of clinical negligence and how we can improve patients’ experience of claims. The review is ongoing, following initial advice to ministers and the recent National Audit Office report.

We welcome the report by the National Audit Office. The results of David Lock’s work will inform future policy making in this area. No decisions on policy have been taken at this point, and the Government will provide an update on the work done and next steps in due course.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
107913
Session
2024-26
Related items
Deposited Paper DEP2025-0460
Monday, 7 July 2025
Deposited papers
House of Lords
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Health services Injuries Negligence
Legislation
Law Reform (Personal Injuries) Act 1948
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk