Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the potential impact of Valuation Office Agency practices on the ability of Integrated Care Boards to release (a) capital and (b) revenue funding for new GP premises.

The Valuation Office Agency’s District Valuer Services (DVS) provide property advice to NHS bodies in England, including Current Market Rent (CMR) assessments for GP practice premises, under the NHS (General Medical Services - Premises Costs) Directions.

DVS is instructed in accordance with the Directions, to assess the financial value for money aspect of proposed new lease terms including rent for both existing premises and for third-party development schemes.

DVS then provide advice to the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to assist the ICB with their decision on the assessment of Value for Money in supporting a proposal.

Decisions on capital and/or revenue funding lie with the ICB.