§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the regional health authorities which are currently distributing development money to their districts according to a system based largely on(a) the weighted capitation formula and (b) the resource allocation working party formula; and for those still relying on the resource allocation working party formula, if he will indicate the transition periods envisaged by the regions.
§ Mr. DorrellFunding of district health authorities changes from 1 April 1991 and the RAWP formula will no longer be relevant. From this date they will be funded on the basis of resident populations rather than catchment population. In 1991–92 they will be funded to enable them to purchase broadly the same volume of services as is currently used by their population; but we have asked all regions to make a start in 1991–92 towards district allocations based on weighted capitation. The decision to give all regional health authorities a minimum cash increase of 10 per cent. should enable all regions to make demonstrable progress towards this objective.
All regional health authorities have submitted details of their proposals for achieving funding based on weighted capitation at district level. We are analysing the method and pace of change proposed by regions and will be formulating a national policy and timetable shortly.