§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure that NHS services in Colchester receive at least the national average per capita funding. [122895]
§ Mr. DenhamWe allocate funding to health authorities on the basis of the relative needs of their populations. A weighted capitation formula is used to determine each health authority's target fair share of available resources, to enable them to commission similar levels of health services for populations in similar need.
For 2000–01, North Essex Health Authority's allocation per weighted head of the population is £687, compared to the average for England of £688.
Health authorities allocate resources direct to their primary care groups in accordance with national guidelines. The formula used to set targets for primary care groups is essentially that used for health authorities. Health authorities determine the pace of change at which individual primary care groups within their area move towards their fair share targets.
North Essex Health Authority is currently calculating Colchester Primary Care Group's budget for 2000–01.