Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a phage impact bond that is similar to previous social impact bonds.

Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) are a mechanism to raise investment for a service provider. SIBs are commissioned on a payment-by-results basis, with the payment being proportional to the delivery of a positive social outcome.

As detailed in the Government’s response to the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee’s report on bacteriophages, published 1 March 2024, the Government is focusing on projects that aim to be most beneficial to supporting phage development in the United Kingdom, based on an assessment of context and barriers.

This includes exploring the case for a dedicated Good Manufacturing Practice facility to support phage innovators, working with key stakeholders, including funders and research organisations, to strengthen the UK’s phage manufacturing capabilities and thereby improve patient access to these therapies.

Currently, SIBs have not been identified as a mechanism that would progress development beyond the impact of current projects, but will be considered alongside other options.