National Service Framework

HC Deb 18 November 2003 vol 413 cc863-4W

Dr. Iddon

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he intends to publish the National Service Framework for long-term conditions; [139488]

(2) if he will provide additional ring-fenced funding for the implementation of the National Service Framework for Long-Term Conditions. [139499]

Dr. Ladyman

We currently plan to publish the national service framework for long term conditions at the end of next year. Implementation will take place over 10 years from 2005 and will be in line with our overall strategy to support delivery of the NHS Plan, which is to set a clear national framework of standards backed up by independent inspection and, increasingly, to give more responsibility to front-line health and social services providers so that local organisations have more flexibility and freedom to plan, resource and deliver services. As a result we are increasing general funding allocations to local national health service and social care organisations.