§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the factors taken into account in the formula for resource allocation between regional health authorities in England.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeUnder the RAWP formula regional health authorities' target revenue allocations are based on regions' populations weighted to take account of the national usage of health services by people of different ages and sexes and of mortality as indicated by standardised mortality ratios. Allowance is also made for patient flows between Regions, for agency arrangements and for higher costs in London. The formula for capital allocations is similar, except that the population figures used are those for the year 5 years ahead of the allocation year and no allowance is made for patient flows or for higher costs in London.
411WIf the hon. Member requires more detail on the precise components of the formula I would refer him to the report of the resource allocation working party, "Sharing Resources for Health in England" and the report of the advisory group on resource allocation.