The DPAs return is a mandatory annual data collection from local authorities in England.
Local authorities should use the data return template and guidance to submit data on DPAs during 2025 to 2026 in England.
You can submit data from 20 May 2026 through NHS England’s Strategic Data Collection Service (SDCS).
This page includes:
guidance for completing the 2025 to 2026 DPAs return
a reference version of the data template for the 2025 to 2026 reporting period
The reference version of the template is published on this page so that local authorities can see which data they will need to submit.
To submit your data return, use the most up-to-date version of the DPAs return submission data template, which you can download from the SDCS website from 20 May 2026.
Excerpt from the official page. The original is authoritative.