Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
3rd Report - Black Maternal Health
Health and Social Care Committee
HC 895
Published 17 September 2025
Recommendations
9
Rejected
Require the investigation to prioritise racial disparities and consider impact of funding cuts.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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 a core aim of investigations.
Department of Health and Social Care
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19
Rejected
Restore dedicated ring-fenced funding for maternity care Service Development Fund to £95 million.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Department of Health and Social Care
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Conclusions (1)
18
Conclusion
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, …
Government Response 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 is an ICB responsibility.