Health ministers in England face hard choices in 2025

Abstract

Improving the NHS has to be weighed alongside improving population health Two narratives emerged from Wes Streeting’s first appearance before the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee on 18 December 2024.1 The first focused on the pressures faced by the NHS, notwithstanding funding increases announced in October’s budget. In discussion with members of the committee, Streeting showed that he has moved on from campaigning to governing in acknowledging the hard choices that must be made. Intense discussions are underway between the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Department of Health and Social Care, and NHS England, working in the looming shadow of the Treasury on how this funding should be used. The outcome of these negotiations will be revealed in annual planning guidance for the NHS, now expected later in January 2025. Despite the additional funding announced in October’s budget, 2025/26 promises to be a very tight year for the NHS in the face of rising demand for care in different sectors. Reducing waiting times for elective care will require funding increases in view of Keir Starmer’s commitment to …