Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions NHS England has with clinical commissioning groups on commissioning policies and the requirements of the NHS constitution, NICE guidance and the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

NHS England has regular management discussions with clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), which may encompass the NHS Constitution, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance and statutory requirements.

NHS England has a duty to have regard to the Health and Social Care Act 2012, the NHS Constitution and quality standards prepared by NICE. As part of their general duty to secure a continuous improvement in quality, CCGs also have a duty to have regard to NICE guidance when planning and delivering services.