NHS England: Staff Costs

Lord Polak Excerpts

Monday 21st July 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I think my noble friend is referring to the layers of bureaucracy that make up NHS England. Anyone trying to find a way through that bureaucracy struggles to have direct lines of accountability, for example. He is absolutely right: reform is essential. This Government have grasped the nettle and are moving forward and working at pace, bringing in all the senior people from all the different affected parties to work together and, most importantly, to keep Parliament apprised of progress.

[Lord Polak (Con)]

My Lords, the Question was about the 50% reduction in staff costs in the NHS. Has the Minister or her department discussed this with resident doctors, who, shamefully, will apparently have plenty of spare time to give their advice?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

We made a Statement just last week on the situation with resident doctors, and we make absolutely no bones about saying that we do not approve of the action they are taking. We have to work together to make sure that NHS England moves forward and merges with the Department of Health and Social Care. The 50% is not a definitive decision; it will be done based on need and delivery of services.