§ 30. Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the relative funding of the South Essex health authority. [5639]
§ Mr. HoramIn 1997–98, South Essex health authority will receive an integrated allocation of £301,832,000— a cash increase £14,203,000(+4.94 per cent.). This represents real terms growth of £8,285,000 (+ 2.88 per cent.). This is the third highest increase in the country.
In 1997–98, South Essex HA will receive a general allocation of £288,089,000—the second highest increase in the country.
Details of 1997–98 health authority integrated allocation showing the cash increase and real terms growth, and 1997–98 health authority general allocations showing cash increase and real terms growth and health authority distances from target, have been placed in the Library.
South Essex HA has moved significantly closer to its weighted capitation target from 7.88 per cent. under target in 1996–97 to 4.41 per cent. under target in 1997–98 as a result of this year's allocation process. We will continue to move South Essex closer to target.