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Written question asked by Joe Robertson (Conservative) on Monday, 9 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 February 2026 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Friday, 13 February 2026. A substantive answer was provided by Zubir Ahmed (Labour) on Monday, 23 February 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

NHS: Negligence

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions his Department has had with the Civil Procedure Rules Committee on the implementation of fixed recoverable costs for lower value clinical negligence claims since 4 July 2024.

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 10 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. As the question describes, the Government Actuary’s Department forecasts that annual payments for compensation and legal costs will increase from £3.1 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 and Public Accounts Committee reports.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
111994
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
NHS Recovery of costs Negligence
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk