However, almost eight years on, a National Audit Office (NAO) report has found that NHSPS has “contributed to increasing levels of outstanding debt” and that it “lacks the powers it needs to make its tenants sign lease agreements and pay their rent”.

While it highlights some positive achievements, including a reduction of vacancy rates and the sale of £347m worth of surplus assets, the report claims that an eye-watering £700m of rent has been either written off or is still unpaid.