HFMA response / Response to the consultation on the 2024/25 NHS payment scheme

The HFMA is broadly supportive of the amendments to the NHS payment scheme.

The current consultation relates specifically to the second year of the payment system two-year period 2023/24 to 2024/25. As a result we recognise that the changes being proposed for 2024/25 are minimal and not intended to fundamentally change the structure of the payment scheme. Therefore, the response to the 2024/25 consultation should be read in conjunction with our January 2023 consultation response.

In previous years payment system consultations have been aligned with publication of the priorities and operational planning guidance. Delays in this publication for 2024/25 mean it has not been possible to confirm if the proposed changes to the payment scheme in 2024/25 are indeed aligned with planning guidance.

The proposals have been discussed with members of the HFMA’s Payment Systems and Specialised Services Group. Their feedback has been considered in our overall response. We recognise that individual organisations will have specific queries and concerns but have endeavoured to submit a balanced response that reflects the national priorities. 

We submitted a formal response via the NHS England consultation hub on 25 January 2024 which reflects comments received from the group and wider HFMA membership. This report provides details of our response.