§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for Health by what means the funding formula for health authorities in South West England takes account of the number of older people resident in them. [62386]
§ Mr. MilburnThe national funding formula used to inform health authorities' unified allocations includes adjustments to take account of the relative healthcare needs of different age groups. Elderly people require relatively more health care, and the target allocations of health authorities reflect this.