Many residents of York, along with employees of the Trust, are concerned that York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust are “actively exploring” an alternative model for delivering estates and facilities services by setting up a limited liability company to run the porters, caterers, cleaners, maintenance staff and more. This type of venture, described by one member of Parliament as a “VAT scam” will ultimately lead to lower wages and poorer conditions for hundreds of staff, and amount to “backdoor privatisation” of the NHS. We ask that the Trust halts the exploration and looks to care for its employees as part of the National Health Service.