Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, What future role, property portfolio and funding model DHSC envisages for NHSPS after the 2026 property-transfer programme.

In January, the Department launched a voluntary policy enabling NHS trusts and foundation trusts to request the transfer of NHS Property Services properties. NHS Property Services will continue to own and manage properties that do not transfer.

The Department keeps the NHS Property Services operating model under review, but it should be noted that the Department's 2020 review concluded that the functions provided by NHS Property Services remained broadly appropriate and found little evidence of overall benefit to the NHS from wholesale divestment of its functions.

Existing arrangements for GP occupiers will remain in place as properties transfer away from NHS Property Services. GP practices can seek reimbursement from their integrated care board for eligible premises costs, including rent, while service charges are levied on a direct cost-recovery basis.