Welcome to the latest update from the Securing the Future Programme. 

These updates for NHS partners will keep you informed of the Programme’s priorities, key actions and progress as we approach the end of the current arrangements and consider the next phase for the LIFT assets.

The Securing the Future Outline Business Case

The Securing the Future (STF) Outline Business Case (OBC) has now been drafted and approved by the STF Programme Board and CHP Board. The case will begin its assurance and approvals journey with a Gateway Review in September followed by DHSC assurance ahead of submission to the Joint Investment Committee (JIC) in November 2026.

In July 2025, the Strategic Outline Case (SOC) was submitted to JIC, which approved CHP to lead the programme to manage the lease expiries of the LIFT assets. The SOC also approved programme delivery funding for 2025 – 2027 and the capital to secure the first 12 assets expiring in 2029/30.

Following the HMT’s Green Book 5-case model, the OBC sets out how CHP will lead the STF Programme and the best options for delivery. The options identified in the OBC are:

• CHP allows LPAs to lapse and re-provide the core assets
• Occupiers negotiate new FRI leases for core assets
• CHP acquire all core assets and transfer ownership to providers
• CHP acquire and retain all core assets

CHP is maintaining programme engagement on the OBC across the whole health landscape. Now that the OBC is drafted, sessions with key colleagues at DHSC will take place to ensure it is ready for assurance.

STF alignment to the DHSC 10 Year Capital Plan

On 8 July, DHSC published the ’10 Year Capital Plan for Health and Social Care’ to set out the direction of travel for healthcare investment. Included in the plan is a rationale for the future of Primary Care buildings, which aligns to the spirit of STF.

“We will also ensure we safeguard critical areas of the primary and community care estate for the long term by setting out a clear way forward on Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) buyback.” DHSC 10 Year Capital Plan.

This approach is designed to ensure that essential, preventative healthcare is delivered in the heart of communities. STF, in ensuring that the best health estate is available long term.

CHP delivers on Neighbourhood Health

CHP continues to work to deliver on the Government’s policy direction toward Neighbourhood Health, which fully aligns to the STF Programme. After 12 months of dedicated work, CHP has published ‘A Year of Impact’ to detail what has been accomplished.

As well as highlighting the work of the STF, the report also shows how the programme sits alongside the achievements in CHP’s capital programme, PACE Programme, and Green Plan. The STF Programme is one part of a wider directional shift to community-based care by ensuring the NHS retains key buildings in its health estate.

The full report can be read here (PDF).

Keeping you informed