Clinical negligence is the second largest provision on the government balance sheet after nuclear decommissioning. Over the period 2006–07 to 2024–25, the total provision for clinical negligence increased by £45.6 billion in real terms, from £14.4 billion at 31 March 2007 to £60.0 billion at 31 March 2025. Since 2006–07, the annual cost of settling claims has increased in real terms from £1.1 billion in 2006–07 to £3.6 billion in 2024–25.5 Forecasts suggest that the cost of clinical negligence will continue to rise substantially in coming years, with annual payments expected to exceed £4 billion by 2029–30.6