Political Monitor UK | June 23rd Edition

Last week, the Government launched a 10 Year Health Plan for England, “Fit for the Future,” aiming to reduce health inequalities and modernise the NHS. Key reforms include shifting care into neighbourhood health centres, expanding digital tools like the NHS App and AI, and focusing on prevention through tighter controls on smoking, vaping, and junk food advertising.

The plan also restructures NHS leadership, boosts local accountability, and commits £29–30 billion to support delivery. While the ambition is clear, concerns remain over funding, workforce capacity, and integration with social care.

Cavendish has circulated a detailed briefing note on the 10 Year Health Plan which can be accessed here.

In a release on behalf of members, APSCo criticised the Plan for lacking a comprehensive workforce and resourcing strategy, and expressed disappointment at the reduced access to overseas healthcare professionals and the aim to eliminate agency staffing.

We have stressed that flexible, agency-sourced talent is vital to fill skills gaps and support evolving services in the NHS and care sector.

Other Key News

• The Home Secretary has introduced major immigration reforms raising skills and salary thresholds, ending overseas recruitment of care workers due to exploitation concerns, and restricting access for over 100 occupations to restore control of the UK’s borders and focus on training domestic workers.
  
  
• The Government has launched a landmark review of parental leave and pay to create a fairer, simpler system that better supports working families, encourages greater take-up by fathers and partners, and helps close the gender pay gap while boosting the economy.
  
  
• The Government narrowly won a vote on its significantly weakened welfare bill after making last-minute concessions to appease Labour rebels, delaying controversial changes to disability benefits and exposing internal divisions, mounting pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spending plans and raising doubts about the Government’s credibility and legislative process.
  

Read our News and Blogs page on the website for APSCo’s latest Policy Talks (an update on policy activity), and our latest Press Releases calling for an urgent cost impact assessment on the ERB and a pragmatic workforce strategy for the NHS.