9
Recommendation
3rd Report - Black Maternal Health
Rejected
We recommend that addressing racial disparities in maternal outcomes is one of the investigation’s core aims, and that this features prominently in the terms of reference for the second stage. We recommend that the investigation aligns with the priorities outlined by the Health Services Safety Investigations Body, specifically the defining …
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We recommend that addressing racial disparities in maternal outcomes is one of the investigation’s core aims, and that this features prominently in the terms of reference for the second stage. We recommend that the investigation aligns with the priorities outlined by the Health Services Safety Investigations Body, specifically the defining of an accountability framework for maternity and neonatal services. Additionally, we recommend that the review carefully considers the impact of the significant reduction of ringfenced funding as outlined in this report. (Recommendation, Paragraph 45) Workforce
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Government response AI summary
The government rejected the premise that maternity funding has been cut, stating that the same level of funding is provided but the ring-fence was removed to allow Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) more local flexibility. It did not directly address the recommendation to make racial disparities …
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Department of Health and Social Care
18
Conclusion
3rd Report - Black Maternal Health
Rejected
We are concerned by the Government’s decision to cut the Maternity Service Development Fund from £95 million to £2 million. While ICBs still have access to this funding, maternity services must now compete with other local priorities. While performance metrics in the 2025–26 NHS Assessment Framework aim to ensure accountability, …
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We are concerned by the Government’s decision to cut the Maternity Service Development Fund from £95 million to £2 million. While ICBs still have access to this funding, maternity services must now compete with other local priorities. While performance metrics in the 2025–26 NHS Assessment Framework aim to ensure accountability, they do not guarantee sufficient funding will be directed towards maternity services. Without sustained oversight and dedicated investment, maternity care risks losing momentum, 34 widening disparities, including in Black maternal care, and compromising critical reforms. We are also concerned about how the dissolution of NHS England and its absorption into the Department of Health and Social Care might impact the NHS’s ability to monitor maternity spending and maintain national oversight of progress. (Conclusion, Paragraph 90)
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Government response AI summary
The government asserts that maternity funding has not been cut, explaining the ring-fence was removed to provide local ICBs with greater autonomy and flexibility to meet local needs, a move consistent with wider policy. They clarify that NHS England does not commission maternity services, which …
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Department of Health and Social Care
19
Recommendation
3rd Report - Black Maternal Health
Rejected
We strongly recommend that the Government restore the dedicated ring- fenced funding for the Service Development Fund for maternity care to £95 million. Properly targeted we believe this investment has the potential to reduce the substantial cost of maternity negligence claims to the NHS and more than pay for itself. …
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We strongly recommend that the Government restore the dedicated ring- fenced funding for the Service Development Fund for maternity care to £95 million. Properly targeted we believe this investment has the potential to reduce the substantial cost of maternity negligence claims to the NHS and more than pay for itself. (Recommendation, Paragraph 91)
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Government response AI summary
The government rejected the recommendation to restore ring-fenced funding for maternity care, explaining that while funding levels are maintained, the ring-fence was removed to provide local healthcare system leaders with greater autonomy and flexibility.
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Department of Health and Social Care