Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to his oral contribution of 23 March 2022, Official Report, column 340, where he stated plans to reform healthcare will ensure every pound of taxpayers money is well spent, what steps he plans to take to (a) monitor and (b) assess the value for money of Government expenditure related to plans to reform healthcare.

The Chancellor has launched a new Cabinet Committee on Efficiency and Value for Money, which will clamp down on wasteful spending and ensure a relentless focus on delivering the highest quality services at the best value.

To support this goal, and ensure every penny is spent wisely, the NHS have agreed to double their annual efficiency target from 1.1% to 2.2% a year, freeing up £4.75bn to fund NHS priority areas over the next three years. The NHS will report regularly to Government on action it is taking to meet this commitment. The Government has also launched a review of leadership in health and social care led by Sir Gordon Messenger which will report to the Secretary of State in early 2022.

The Treasury will support departments – like DHSC - in delivering their commitments and will hold the NHS and DHSC to account for meeting the new efficiency target, including via the new Cabinet Committee on Efficiency and Value for Money and usual spending control processes.