In a new report, the ONS said total healthcare expenditure increased by 5.6% in nominal terms in 2023 but fell by 1.4% after adjusting for inflation.

Healthcare spending as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) decreased slightly to 10.9% in 2023 from 11.1% in 2022, as GDP growth exceeded healthcare spending growth.

Government-financed healthcare expenditure was around £239bn in 2023, a real terms decrease of 2.1%.

Total long-term health and social care expenditure increased by 2.8% in real terms in 2022.

Government expenditure covers public spending through the NHS and other public bodies, including local authorities.