Budget 2026: Lack of update on review into spiralling NHS clinical negligence costs "disappointing"
Post date: 26/11/2025 | Time to read article: 1 minsThe information within this article was correct at the time of publishing. Last updated 26/11/2025
Commenting on the Budget, Dr Rob Hendry, Medical Director and Chief Member Officer at Medical Protection Society (MPS) said:
“At a time when the Government faces immense pressure to raise revenue and rein in spending, it is disappointing that it did not as part of the Budget provide an update on its review into the spiralling cost of NHS clinical negligence claims, which is diverting money away from improving patient care and services.
“£3.6 billion was spent on claims last year alone and an estimated £60 billion is needed for future clinical negligence costs - a sum identified as being the second largest provision on the Government balance sheet. The Government says it is taking action to improve the sustainability of public spending. Continuing with the status quo when it comes to NHS clinical negligence costs is clearly unsustainable, and we call on the Government to progress its review with greater urgency.”
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