NHS operational planning and contracting guidance
For information on planning for 2026/27 onwards, please go to:
NHS England » Medium term planning
2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance
In line with the Government Mandate, the 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance sets out a focused, smaller number of national priorities for 2025/26 with an emphasis on improving access to care for patients, increasing productivity and living within budgets, and driving reform. To support this, systems will have greater control and flexibility over how they use local funding to best meet the needs of their local population.
- 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance
- Our operating model: supporting you to deliver high quality care for patients
- Revenue finance and contracting guidance for 2025/26
- NHS financial framework: integrated care board and system finance business rules
- Capital guidance for 2025-26
Guidance on developing the joint forward plan
The guidance on developing the joint forward plan supports integrated care boards, their partner NHS trusts and foundation trusts to continue to develop their joint forward plans with system partners.
Other useful links
- NHS Payment Scheme 2025/26 consultation
- Allocation of resources 2025/26
- Better Care Fund policy framework 2025 to 2026 (published on GOV.UK)
- Better Care Fund (BCF) planning requirements
Previous planning guidance can be found on the following page: NHS England » Previous planning guidance