A dozen trusts have set efficiency plans worth 8 per cent of their allocations this year as the average savings target rose compared to 2024-25, HSJ research reveals.
The investigation found the average cost improvement plan for 2025/26 was 5.7 per cent, up from around 5 per cent last year, as providers attempt to deliver an unprecedented savings target.
The research represents the most comprehensive survey of savings targets for every English provider this year. The data was collected from public documents or freedom of information requests.
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Foundation Trust have the largest plan as a proportion of their budget this year at 9.2 per cent, followed by Liverpool University Hospitals FT at 9 per cent.
Ten other trusts in England have efficiency targets of 8 per cent or more, including two in Dorset, both University Hospitals of Northamptonshire Group providers and Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals Trust.
The top proportional savings target is lower than that identified by HSJ last year, when an ambulance trust planned for nearly 10 per cent.
Date: 22 January