Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to increase capital expenditure in the NHS.

Capital investment in the National Health Service increased significantly at the last Spending Review, from approximately £4 billion in 2019/20 to nearly £9 billion in 2024/25. However, Professor Lord Darzi’s independent investigation into the NHS in England, published on 12 September 2024, found that the NHS remains undercapitalised.

The Government recognises that strategic, value for money investments in capital schemes are critical to providing high-quality health and social care, increased productivity, and patient safety.

Decisions regarding future capital investment in the NHS are subject to the upcoming Spending Review. In line with the Government’s plans to deliver an NHS fit for the future, and as part of our internal Spending Review preparations, the Department and NHS England are currently reviewing the NHS capital requirements, including through NHS England’s assessment of long-term NHS estate needs across a range of areas.

Integrated care systems have also been developing local infrastructure strategies with help from NHS England that support key estate investment decisions.