§ Sir Peter EmeryTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) for what reason the South West Health Authorities will receive 3 per cent. increase on previous funding instead of the announced funding figure of 4 per cent. for the year 2000; [74430]
(2) if he will take action to ensure that funding for health care in the South West is maintained at 4 per cent. [74432]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 8 March 1999]: For 1999–2000 the national average real terms increase was 4 per cent.
We use a weighted capitation formula to determine each health authority's fair share target of available resources. Health authorities which already receive more than the formula suggests is their fair share received less than the average increase. Seven of the eight health authorities in the South West were in this position. In 1999–2000 the region as a whole received 1.4 per cent., or £4.3 million more than the formula suggests is their fair share.