Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Not Addressed
Past committees consistently raised concerns about rising clinical negligence costs.
Conclusion
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department of Health and Social Care (the Department), NHS England and NHS Resolution on the costs of clinical negligence.1 Our predecessor committees reported on clinical negligence in 2002 and 2017, and both this Committee and our immediate predecessor raised further concerns about progress in tackling the rising costs in its 2024 and 2025 reviews of the Department’s accounts.2
Government Response Summary
The government's response broadly addresses the wider issue of rising clinical negligence costs and mentions David Lock KC's ongoing advisory role. However, it explicitly states it has no plans to publish a separate report of David Lock KC's work, and does not directly address the introductory nature of the committee's statement.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The government disagrees with the Committee’s recommendation. The government has no current plans to publish a separate report of David Lock KC’s work. David Lock KC has been providing ongoing expert advice to Ministers and is working with officials in DHSC to develop policy proposals. This process has allowed the government to utilise David Lock KC’s depth of knowledge and experience in both the clinical negligence system and government policy. The department’s view is that ongoing expert advice to support its policymaking remains the right approach to achieving the best possible policy outcomes.