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.

Outline Business Case in Development  

Work continues to progress the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the Securing the Future Programme, supported by a dedicated team and a clear delivery plan that provides the structure needed to maintain pace throughout 2026.

The national Stakeholder Group has been re‑established and meets quarterly, ensuring regular engagement with NHSE, DHSC, the Neighbourhood Health Programme and NISTA. This forum is critical for achieving alignment, testing key assumptions, and building collective ownership of the programme.

Our aim is to submit the OBC for approval by the end of the calendar year. To meet this ambition, a completed draft will need to be available by early summer to begin the assurance and approvals process during the second half of the year.
The timescales are challenging and require sustained focus and delivery.

Allignment with Neighbourhood Health Implementation

The LIFT estate has a key role to play in delivering the ambitions in the 10 YHP particularly the left shift and delivery of neighbourhood health.

Making best use of existing estate is essential for NHS productivity and value for money.  This was written into the 10 YHP and especially for the delivery of Neighbourhood Health Centres.  This was reinforced by the announcement of the NHS Neighbourhood Rebuild Programme in the Autumn Budget last November.  This set the ambition for 120 Neighbourhood Health Centres to be delivered through a mixture of refurbishments, and new builds over the next three years. 50 of these will be refurbishments.

The first 5 rebuild projects announced are CHP led schemes in Birmingham, Barrow-in-Furness, Truro and Southall in London.  We anticipate more opportunities for Neighbourhood Health Centres to be delivered through repurposing of the LIFT estate.  In addition, we continue to work through our local teams to identify and progress opportunities to support the shift of care out of hospitals including diagnostics and outpatient services.

Local Ownership

NHS England has published updated guidance on the voluntary transfer of properties from NHS Property Services (NHSPS) to trusts, via the Asset Transfer Policy.

Whilst the LIFT estate remains out of scope for this policy, the direction of travel is consistent with the approach to Securing the Future Programme and the transition of LIFT assets into local ownership in the future.

Securing Local Commitment

When an LPA lease reaches the end of its term, ownership does not revert to the public sector in the way PFI assets do. If no action is taken, the NHS risks losing access to the buildings and services would need to be relocated.

To secure these assets, clear local commitment and evidence of long‑term strategic need are essential. Driving utilisation is critical, signalling the asset remains fundamental to delivering local health services and strengthens the case for acquisition.

PACE (Productivity Acceleration in the Community Estate) plans are central to securing the future of the LIFT estate. We are working closely with local systems to secure active commitment to PACE planning which will provide the evidence and commitment to support asset business cases that will secure the future of LIFT buildings for long term delivery of essential services.

Keeping you informed