Changes to NICE regulations: cost-effectiveness threshold

This document summarises the responses to the consultation on proposed amendments to the NICE regulations to give ministers a power to set the cost-effectiveness threshold that NICE uses in its evaluations. It sets out the government’s response to the feedback received, and outlines the policy decisions reached.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Amendment) Regulations 2026 and explanatory memorandum were laid on 3 March 2026 alongside the publication of this consultation response. The amended regulations:

• give ministers a limited power of direction to set the standard cost-effectiveness threshold that NICE uses in the development of guidance, including technology appraisal and highly specialised technology evaluation recommendations
• remove the requirement for NICE to consult on changes to its procedures where these result from a ministerial direction

The amended regulations will come into force on 24 March 2026.