The claim
“NHS waiting lists have fallen at the fastest rate in 17 years.”
Our verdict
Partly True
The claim that NHS waiting lists have fallen at the fastest rate in 17 years is directionally supported by evidence showing a substantial and historic decline in waiting list size.
What we found
NHS England’s own statistics describe the March 2026 year‑on‑year drop of over 312,000 as the largest reduction in 16 years, and independent analysis notes a fall of roughly 0.9 million between the end of 2024 and end of 2025. However, the best‑available data indicates the fastest decline in the past 16 years, not 17, so the claim overstates the historical uniqueness by one year.
The evidence
3 sources, all background: none settles the claim either way.
- Background
Source 8 reports that in March 2026 the waiting list fell by over 312,000 in the previous year, describing it as the largest year‑on‑year reduction in 16 years.
england.nhs.uk· Largest year‑on‑year reduction in 16 years - Background
Source 7 notes waiting lists fell considerably faster than central scenario, dropping from 7.1 million at end‑2024 to 6.2 million at end‑2025, a reduction of 0.9 million in one year.
ifs.org.uk· IFS projection shows rapid decline - Background
Source 3 states the waiting list dropped to 7.29 million in 2025, its lowest level since February 2023, indicating a substantial decline.
england.nhs.uk· Waiting list level low since Feb 2023
How we checked
We reviewed 3 relevant sources.
Have evidence we missed?
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