Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to amend their proposals for the reform of NHS procurement in England so that, once a decision in principle to proceed to a competitive tender has been made, the procurement rules are the same as those applicable to the rest of the public sector.

NHS England is currently consulting on the proposal for a new provider selection regime. The central requirement of the proposed new regime is that arrangements for the delivery of healthcare services must be made in a transparent way, in the best interests of patients, taxpayers and the population. All other procurement will continue to be subject to Cabinet Office procurement processes.

The proposed new provider selection regime will set out overarching requirements in relation to the competitive tender exercise - for example, that it must be transparent and fair. NHS England’s consultation seeks views on the proposed key criteria to be considered when decision makers are running a competitive tender to ensure that services are arranged in the best interest of patients, taxpayers and the population. The proposal will include steps that decision-making bodies can take to manage conflicts of interest when arranging services. We will also develop a broader conflict of interest policy in relation to integrated care systems to address this issue specifically.