Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of reducing funding for Level 7 Apprenticeships on the NHS and Social Care workforce plan.

While funding arrangements for Level 7 apprenticeships are changing, we recognise the important role apprenticeships play in the training and development of the NHS and social care workforce. This Government is committed to developing homegrown talent and ensuring the NHS has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to deliver the best care for patients, when they need it.

That is why the Department of Health and Social Care will be funding ongoing provision of Level 7 apprenticeships in five professions. This will support the delivery of our 10-Year Health Plan and help to ensure staff in health and social care have access to development opportunities.