05.12.16
DH opens consultation on MCP pension changes to deliver FYFV
The NHS pension scheme will need to be reformed to allow the workforce changes required for the Five Year Forward View (FVFV), according to a new DH consultation.
First published in 2014, the FYFV is a vision for making the NHS more sustainable through greater reliance on integrated care. A key means of delivery will be through multi-speciality community providers (MCPs).
The consultation says that MCPs will need to be accompanied by a new contract which can be used to commission a mix of health and social care services, and which will be pensionable.
NHS England has not yet published the draft contract. Nevertheless, the consultation promises that from 1 April 2017, new MCPs holding an MCP contract will be able to apply to become an NHS pension scheme independent provider.
The document notes that it is crucial that extending scheme membership is accompanied by checks and controls to limit additional liabilities. This will include introducing a standard sub-contract along with the standard contract.
The Health Select Committee wrote to Philip Hammond, the chancellor, before the Autumn Statement to say that the financial pressures on the NHS are so severe that the FYFV might not be delivered. Despite this, Hammond did not include any new funding for the NHS in the statement.
The DH has also proposed separate changes to the NHS pensions scheme, which would see providers taking on responsibility for the administration levy at an additional cost of £35m a year.
The consultation runs until 26 January. To take part, click here.
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