Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what analysis they have undertaken in either of the last two Parliaments of the fiscal implications for the National Health Service and the wider economy of any liberalisation of end-of-life care and assisted dying.

No assessment has been made of the fiscal implications for the National Health Service, or the wider economy, of any liberalisation of end of life care and assisted dying.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning palliative and end of life care services that meet the needs of their local populations. This promotes a more consistent national approach and supports commissioners in prioritising palliative and end of life care. To support ICBs in this duty, NHS England has published statutory guidance and service specifications for adults, and children and young people.

Assisted dying is an extremely sensitive issue with deeply held views on both sides of the debate. A vote on any change to the law of England and Wales in this area is a matter for Parliament to decide. It is reasonable to have a discussion on what is an important topic, and it is right that we locate that question within a broader context of how we care for people at the end of their lives. Should the law on assisting dying change, the Government would work with stakeholders to ensure that safeguards were in place, and that the law is enforced in the way that Parliament intended.