Information requested
This request follows statements in your Annual Report and Accounts 2025 to 2026, which record that the Board's "principal focus" during the year was "responding to the government's review of arm's length bodies (ALBs)," that the incoming Chair's "experience of ministerial-level engagement… proved significant during the ALB review," and that the organisation had "aspirations to remain an independent organisation."
Please provide:
- Any formal submission, representation, business case, or evidence document that NHSCFA prepared for, or provided to, DHSC, the Cabinet Office, or any other body in connection with the review of arm's-length bodies. If the same document was produced in multiple versions, the most recent version submitted.
- Any document setting out the case for NHSCFA remaining an independent organisation, or assessing the options for its future (for example continuation, merger, or transfer of functions to DHSC or another body).
- Any assessment NHSCFA has produced of the impact on NHS counter-fraud capability, savings, or return on investment were the Authority to be abolished, merged, or have its functions transferred.
NHSCFA response
However, the Minister is responsible for setting the performance framework within which the NHSCFA operates. This includes approving its 2026-29 Strategy .
As part of strategy development, consultation takes place with the Department as a key stakeholder to ensure that the NHSCFA priorities are informed by and align with the overall health system and DHSC Counter Fraud Strategy.
With regard to our strategic intentions and proposals preceding the outcome of the ALB Review, please see the attached paper that was shared with the Department on 11.09.25 (note that some of the dates specified in paragraph 20 did not take place due to uncertainty around the ALB Review).