Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to page 34 of his Department's policy paper entitled 10 Year Health Plan for England: fit for the future, published on 3 July 2025, what the outcome will be if a patient and care team do not agree on the contents of a care plan.

Our 10-Year Health Plan will ensure that people with complex needs are supported to be active participants in their own care. As part of this, 95% of people with complex needs or long-term conditions will have an agreed personalised care plan by 2027.

We recognise that care plans should be developed collaboratively between patients and care teams. Reaching agreement is essential, as a lack of consensus can lead to delays in care and reduced patient engagement.

Patients have the right to autonomy over decisions about their own care, and both clinical and personal aspects should be approached as shared decisions. Where disagreements arise, particularly those relating to funding, can be escalated to the integrated care board for resolution.

Work is currently underway to determine how care plans will be delivered, including escalation routes if agreement can’t be made.