We are aware that a significant number of providers across Buckinghamshire are experiencing delayed payments for continuing health care services delivered. Some delays go back many months. Monies owed vary, but providers have told us that even small amounts are significantly affecting cash flow, with some providers indicating critical concerns. We are working with Thames Valley ICB to try to resolve these concerns as soon as possible. If your business is affected, please contact us urgently and in confidence so we can support you.
OACP was not permitted to speak at this NHS Thames Valley Meeting in Public, but asked the following question to be addressed on behalf of Bucks and Oxon providers:
On behalf of care providers in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers has repeatedly requested clarity and transparency regarding the timeliness and management of payments for Continuing Healthcare (CHC) services, but has not received assurance. Given ongoing concerns about delayed CHC payments, including the significant impact these delays are having on care providers' ability to meet payroll and other financial obligations, what assurance can the ICB Board provide regarding Thames Valley ICB's current performance against its payment timescales? What is the extent of any outstanding backlog, and what specific measures are being implemented to ensure payments are made within contractual and statutory timescales and that such delays do not recur?
NHS Thames Valley provided a verbal response.
The Chief Financial Officer provided a verbal apology for the delays that providers had been and are facing. He went on to describe the current situation:
Since the last update [provided on 12 June] the AACC invoice backlog has reduced by 30%. The ICB would normally expect 7 – 8,000 invoices outstanding at any one time as part of regular business. As of 14 September [2026], 11,800 invoices remain outstanding. Before adjusting for invoices on hold or in dispute, current payment performance on payments of invoices within 30 days of receipt is 71% of invoices by volume, or 95% by value.
A dedicated recovery programme is in place supported by NHSE and NHSBA. Resources are split between supporting business-as-usual processing and resolving historic queries directly with providers. Additional payment cycles are being run and common causes of delay are being addressed - these include:
Where an invoice can be released, whist an outstanding query is being resolved, payment is made on account. Using this approach payments are being made to relieve pressure on providers. Where providers continue to have an urgent risk to payroll or business continuity, they should continue to use the supplier query form on the NHS Thames Valley website and these cases are prioritised by the programme team.
The ICB has commissioned an end-to-end review of AACC (CHC) and s117 services. This will inform service improvements for a future operating model, data quality, automation and the replacement of the existing patient management system. Progress on this is being overseen by the ICB Executive.
The Chair of NHS Thames Valley confirmed that they would make sure there is a continual update, though no timescales were given. The next Board Meeting in Public is on Wednesday 20 November 2026.
Estimated progress
Despite multiple requests we have not had formal communication from the ICB on progress in clearing all CHC debts.
We are aware that there are still providers with significant debts outstanding, some of which are large.
Please continue to tell us what you are owed so we can escalate these to support urgent payment.
Calculating uplifts
The ICB has confirmed that only two 'blanket' (whole market) uplifts were issued for ASC providers as below:
Prior to this, individual uplifts were agreed between the ICB and providers. If you want to claim an uplift for years before 1 April 2025, you will need to provide written confirmation from the ICB received at the time.
The ICB has assured us that funds in your supplier accounts are available to match the increases in invoices over these last two years.
Thames Valley ICB has issued this update.
Please continue to let us know if you require support to escalate your delayed payment - use the Get in touch form or email us direct.
Thames Valley ICB has issued this statement and apology.
In this statement is a link to a Microsoft Form which is now the preferred escalation route for delayed CHC payments owed by Thames Valley ICB.
On Thursday 11 June, OACP on behalf of all Thames Valley care providers, made a statement to Oxfordshire's Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding delayed payments to adult social care providers delivering continuing health care services in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
Due to time limitations permitted at meetings in public, please see below for versions of their Statement.
The section starts at 52:10 as shown on the clock in the Teams feed in the top left hand corner.
OACP will continue work with BCPA to represent all local care providers, who are at risk of insolvency due to non-payment of invoices submitted for the delivery of NHS services on behalf of Thames Valley ICB.
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