Work in progress – Health Estates

We are currently undertaking work in order to produce this publication. Details of when we aim to publish the finalised report are indicated below.

The Department of Health holds extensive property, encompassing around 1,500 free-hold buildings with an estimated value of over £3.7 billion, which it uses to deliver services and support its operations. As a key strategic asset, it is important that these buildings remain fit for purpose and safe for both the public and employees who use them. 

Preliminary work indicates that, in an environment of constrained budgets, the health estate is ageing, and its condition is deteriorating. 

This review will consider whether the Department is effectively managing its estate.  The intended scope of our review will include:

• roles, responsibilities and governance arrangements, including strategies and plans, for management of the estate.
• surplus estate/vacant properties.
• the condition of the estate, backlog maintenance and the impact on the delivery of services.

We aim to publish in Spring 2026.