§ Mr. WattsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to change the funding arrangements for GP practices in England; and what progress has been made on the reform of the present health funding system. [69248]
§ Mr. HuttonThe framework document for the new general medical services contract, which was agreed with the British Medical Association's general practitioners' (GP) committee in April, contains proposals for new ways of funding GP practices. Detailed negotiations on the contract are taking place now the framework has been approved in a ballot of GPs.
With regard to the reform of the present health funding system, a wide ranging review of the weighted capitation formula used to allocate resources to health authorities and primary care trusts in England is currently taking place. A key criterion of the new formula will be to contribute to the reduction of avoidable health inequalities. The intention is that, following the review, the new formula will be ready for 2003–04 allocations.