6th Report - Palliative Care
Select Committee
Health and Social Care Committee
HC 1763
24 March 2026
Government response
1st Special Report - Palliative Care: Government Response · published 19 Jun 2026
Recommendations & Conclusions
7 results
3
Conclusion
Not Addressed
We are unclear about what is fundamentally different about this framework compared to existing documents,...
Conclusion
We are unclear about what is fundamentally different about this framework compared to existing documents, such as the Ambitions Framework and the NHS National Standards for Palliative and End of Life Care. In particular, what different approach it will take …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government response discusses existing and refreshed guidance for 24/7 palliative and end-of-life care services and out-of-hours medicines access, but does not clarify the unique aspects of the Modern Service Framework or its implementation and accountability.
Department of Health and Social Care
View Details
4
Recommendation
Not Addressed
If the Modern Service Framework is to deliver meaningful change it must be more than...
Recommendation
If the Modern Service Framework is to deliver meaningful change it must be more than a well-intentioned ambition. ICBs and the Department need to be held accountable for meeting the Framework, with clear consequences if its standards are not met. …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government's response pivots to discussing changes in ICB and local authority collaboration, focusing on the Neighbourhood Health Framework and 'place' level working. It does not address the committee's specific recommendation regarding accountability arrangements or consequences for ICBs failing to meet the Modern Service Framework standards.
Department of Health and Social Care
View Details
6
Conclusion
Not Addressed
It is unacceptable that access to 24/7 palliative and end of life care services remains...
Conclusion
It is unacceptable that access to 24/7 palliative and end of life care services remains patchy throughout England. Individuals nearing the end of life should be able to access the right care, advice and medication, wherever they are and regardless …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government response discusses the importance of data and dashboards for commissioning and performance oversight, but does not address the committee's specific concern about patchy 24/7 palliative and end-of-life care services beyond telephone lines.
Department of Health and Social Care
View Details
7
Recommendation
Not Addressed
We recommend that the MSF includes specific guidelines and requirements for ICBs to enable access...
Recommendation
We recommend that the MSF includes specific guidelines and requirements for ICBs to enable access to 24/7 PEoLC services, including access to symptomatic medication, and in-person care where necessary. We call on the Government to provide an assessment of both …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government response discusses the Single Patient Record and its legislative framework, but it does not address the recommendation to include specific guidelines in the MSF for 24/7 PEoLC services or to provide an assessment of the workforce and potential savings.
Department of Health and Social Care
View Details
8
Recommendation
Not Addressed
The role of social care in the provision of palliative and end of life care...
Recommendation
The role of social care in the provision of palliative and end of life care has been overlooked for far too long, and we are concerned that the Government’s plans to remove local authorities from ICBs will only make the …
Read more
Government Response Summary
Despite a 'Partially Accept' label, the government's response discusses generalist workforce training and education frameworks for healthcare professionals, which does not address the recommendation to reconsider removing local authority representation on ICBs.
Department of Health and Social Care
View Details
9
Conclusion
Not Addressed
We support increasing use of the Palliative Care Register for early identification of individuals, including...
Conclusion
We support increasing use of the Palliative Care Register for early identification of individuals, including children and young people with PEoLC needs. However, we are concerned that its use is likely to decrease given the removal of funding incentives for …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government response discusses bereavement services and ICB oversight for their delivery, but it does not address the committee's concern regarding the Palliative Care Register or the impact of removing funding incentives for its use.
Department of Health and Social Care
View Details
10
Recommendation
Not Addressed
We recommend that the Department implement the 90% target for the percentage of individuals in...
Recommendation
We recommend that the Department implement the 90% target for the percentage of individuals in the last year of life documented on the Palliative Care Register and that it reports annually on progress against this target to monitor the impact …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government response outlines plans for sustainable funding and commissioning for hospices, including a move away from short-term grant funding from 2027/28, but does not address the recommendation for a 90% target for the Palliative Care Register or annual reporting.
Department of Health and Social Care
View Details