The cost of maintaining NHS hospitals in England has exceeded £1bn, according to data shared by ministers.
The NHS's annual Estates Returns Information Collection showed that in the 2021/22 financial year, £1,013,000,000 was spent on maintaining the hospitals' estate, up from £987m in the previous year.
The rise in investment in the backlog of maintenance was also notable.
However, despite this, the implementation of Boris Johnson's promise to build 40 new hospitals is falling short with just a quarter granted planning permission so far.
The Liberal Democrats have argued that the programme is behind schedule and the target may not be met.
The future of the pledge has been questioned by the Labour Party, as they criticised the Tory government for presiding over a "crumbling" NHS estate.
England's NHS hospitals are struggling with maintenance issues as the cost of maintaining NHS hospitals rises, exceeding £1bn.
The NHS's annual Estates Returns Information Collection showed a significant rise in investment in the backlog of maintenance.
However, only 10 out of the proposed 40 new hospitals have received planning permission, leading to criticism that the pledge may not be fulfilled.
The Liberal Democrats argue that the programme is behind schedule while Labour criticises the Tory government for overseeing a "crumbling" NHS estate.
Health minister, Will Quince, argues that the government is taking steps to address the maintenance crisis by investing in the NHS estate.