NHS England published statutory guidance for palliative care and end-of-life care, as well as service specifications. NHS England will work with some ICBs to develop new payment models to support neighbourhood services, including for the high- priority cohorts, including those at end of life. The government is developing a Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care MSF, through which we will closely monitor the shift towards strategic commissioning.

The government is developing a Palliative Care and End‑of‑Life Care MSF which will support the shift to strategic commissioning based on integrated needs assessments and will outline evidenced based interventions. It will also build on the recently published Neighbourhood Health Framework, which sets clear expectations for the improvement of care of palliative care and end-of-life care patients through Neighbourhood Health.

The government agrees with the committee’s recommendation: service specifications for adults and children and young people, outlining expectations of what palliative care and end-of-life care services are commissioned.