HC Deb 12 June 2002 vol 386 cc1323-5W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding is available(a) in England and (b) for North Staffordshire in support of the Local Improvement Finance Trust for the funding of GP premises; and if he will set out the timetable. [59741]

Mr. Hutton

The national health service local improvement finance trust (NHS LIFT) initiative was announced in the NHS Plan.

The initiative aims to deliver a step change in the quality of the primary care estate. NHS LIFT's initial focus has been to encourage investment in those parts of the country, such as inner cities, where primary care services are in most need of improvement. LIFT's objective will be to contribute to the overall NHS Plan targets of refurbishing or replacing up to 3,000 premises and 500 one-stop primary care centres by December 2004.

The Department has earmarked £195 million (over the current spending review period) to support localities develop their LIFT schemes. All LIFT localities, including North Staffordshire, will receive significant levels of financial assistance.

In February 2001, the Department prioritised an initial six LIFT schemes, and in January, a further 12 schemes were identified. Applications for a third wave of LIFT schemes will be announced later this year. We anticipate a total of 42 LIFT schemes across the country by the end of 2004.