§ Mr. HoramTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will increase the funding of the London Ambulance Service, to improve pay and conditions of staff. [146625]
§ Ms StuartAmbulance staff on national terms, including those employed by the London Ambulance service, have been offered an above inflation increase of 3.7 per cent. from 1 April 2001. We are currently awaiting a response from trade unions on this offer. National Health Service trusts have the flexibility to pay still more where there are proven recruitment and retention difficulties.
This year an extra £6 million was given to the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust. Discussions are underway over additional funding for 2001–02.