§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance he has given to the North-West regional health authority as to the proportion of additional funds made available which should be given to the Salford health authority in view of its local and regional responsibilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeNone. Regional health authorities are expected to follow the national policy of improving equity of access to services in allocating resources to their districts, but are free within this to recognise local needs and circumstances. Regions' funding strategies are considered during the Department's assessment and approval of their strategic plans, and progress is monitored through their annual short term programmes.
The recent addition to health authority cash limits following the pay awards to review body staff groups is intended to ensure that, taking account also of the benefits from lower general inflation, health authorities are able to meet the costs of these awards without adverse effects on services to patients. It is for the North-Western regional health authority to decide how its £4.4 million additional funding should be distributed among its districts.