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Written question asked by Baroness Shawcross-Wolfson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 April 2026. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 April 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

NHS Payment Scheme

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 6 March (HL15294), whether they plan for ministers to be responsible for approving the NHS Payment Scheme after NHS England is abolished; and if so, whether ministers will be consulted about approval of that scheme in the transition period before new legislation is passed by Parliament to transfer that responsibility to ministers.

Answer

Primary legislation is required to enable the transfer of NHS England’s functions, powers and responsibilities formally to the Department or out to the wider system. Primary legislation is subject to the will of Parliament, and the Government welcomes parliamentary scrutiny of these provisions. The bill will be introduced in Parliament when parliamentary time allows.

Currently, NHS England is responsible for publishing the NHS Payment Scheme, with the relevant legislation set out in schedule 10 of the 2022 Health and Care Act. Under NHS England’s Scheme of Delegation, responsibility for approving the NHS Payment Scheme rests with the Chief Executive Officer of NHS England, delegated to the Chief Financial Officer of NHS England.

During development of the NHS Payment Scheme, NHS England engages with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Department. The 2026/27 NHS Payment Scheme was published on 26 March 2026 and incorporates a number of changes following consultation.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL15934
Session
2024-26
Related items
Neurodiversity: Diagnosis
Thursday, 19 March 2026
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
NHS payment scheme
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk