PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(10 June 2026)

NHS England provided funding to support validation of waiting lists in 2025/26, as part of the Government's plans for a more productive and improved approach to elective care which is better for patients.

Effective waiting list validation means trusts have an accurate understanding of the true size of their waiting list, and helps them to reduce missed or cancelled appointments, ensure clinicians' time is focused on the patients who need it, and reduce overall waiting times.

Validation is a core part of effective waiting list management and we are still behind pre-pandemic levels. Alongside other efforts, including record levels of activity, ensuring clean waiting lists is a key part of our efforts to improve waiting list performance and build on our success in meeting the interim target of 65% referral to treatment performance by the end of March 2026.