NHS England: Staff Costs

Lord Kamall Excerpts

Monday 21st July 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

My Lords, the evidence for that is becoming only too clear. That is why the Government have taken the action that they have to move at pace towards dealing with the situation. Too much money is going into bureaucracy and therefore not enough into front-line services. That needs to change, and this has been welcomed from all sides of the House.

[Lord Kamall (Con)]

My Lords, following the previous questions, I am sure that many noble Lords would agree with reducing staff, especially where there is duplication or where it may make more resources available for front-line staff. However, given that there was no impact assessment before the announcements were made—as the noble Lord, Lord Scriven, said, and as the noble Lord, Lord Hunt, has called for—will the Minister tell the House how the Government will ensure that front-line services will not be impacted, especially in areas of high deprivation?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

There is an absolute commitment running throughout this that front-line services will not be affected by the work that continues. The decision was taken to move swiftly, and impact assessments will be done as we go through the journey. The Government have also committed that this will be as transparent a process as possible. Parliament will be kept fully apprised of the work that is done, particularly of how front-line services are being protected.