The NHS estates maintenance backlog is almost at £14bn, according to new ERIC figures, as health chiefs call for action in the chancellor’s upcoming autumn budget.
While only provisional Estates Returns Information Collection data, the scale of the increases will worry government officials.
Some of the headline statistics include:
- £13.8bn maintenance backlog – up 19%
- £13.6bn estates running cost – up 11%
- £2.74bn ‘high-risk’ repair bill – up 16%
Urgent action
Sector leaders are looking for a more long-term approach to be taken by Rachel Reeves at the upcoming budget, with many putting the NHS estate’s current condition down to continuous short-termism from central government.
Deputy CEO at NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said: “This can’t go on. Eye-watering sums are needed just to patch up buildings and equipment which are in a very bad way right across hospitals, mental health, community health and ambulance services.
"With the government’s Budget less than a fortnight away it's vital ministers provide an urgent capital funding boost and rethink rules on capital investment in the NHS so that trusts can tackle the near-£14billion maintenance backlog, give patients safe surroundings and boost productivity."
Long-term decisions
While the imminent budget remains the centre of attention for the entire public sector, early next year will also see the government make moves that will impact the healthcare agenda.
“More substantial funding decisions will come in spring with the publication of the government’s 10-year health and care plan, the Comprehensive Spending Review, and NHS leaders will hope to see further clarity on the New Hospital Programme,” explained The King’s Fund’s CEO, Sarah Woolnough.
Matthew Taylor, CEO at the NHS Confederation, recently authored an exclusive piece for NHE’s digital magazine outlining the opportunity that the government’s pause of the NHP brings. Taylor argues for a reimagined attitude to NHS finances, with local leaders also given more autonomy with which projects they participate in. Read his full account here.
Image credit: iStock
