NHS England: Health Services
Commons · Question 102981 · Tabled 5 Jan 2026 · Department of Health and Social Care · Official record
Answered 12 Jan 2026
Question
Asked by Martin Wrigley
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether NHS England distinguishes between the terms must, should, and are expected to in national planning guidance.
Answer
Answered by Karin Smyth, 12 Jan 2026
The Medium-Term Planning Framework sets national delivery targets for integrated care boards (ICBs) and providers over multiple years. It sets performance expectations, based on nationally determined policies and budgets, and outlines enabling activities ...