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NHS: Negligence

Asked by Jim ShannonDemocratic Unionist PartyDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 26 February 2026UIN 114838

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to prevent double payments in clinical negligence cases.

Answered by Dr Zubir Ahmed

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.

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.

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