UK ministers will be given powers to control drug approvals for the NHS despite warnings of political interference in funding decisions for new treatments. The Government has approved proposals which allow ministers to change the cost-effectiveness threshold used by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The move supports the UK's pharmaceutical deal with the US. From April 2026, NICE will raise the cost-effectiveness threshold from £20,000-£30,000 per quality-adjusted life year to £25,000-£30,000. Previously, the government did not have the power to make such a 25% change. Concerns about reducing NICE's independence were raised at a public consultation in December.