The government pushed ahead with its publication, despite reservations from the new health and social care secretary and NHS leaders.
Most of the bill’s proposals resulted from a detailed consultation exercise conducted by NHSE. However, the moves to give greater powers to the Department of Health and Social Care were introduced by former health secretary Matt Hancock and have been retained by his successor.
These proposals are widely opposed by NHS leaders.
NHS Providers chief Chris Hopson told a Westminster Health Forum event this morning: “We are very nervous [about a system in which ministers] have a power that enables them to dictate practical priorities such as funding and health priorities.”