§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what calculation he has made of the cost to West Sussex health authority's budget of his forecast for medical inflation in 2002–03. [24882]
(2) what assessment he has made of the increase in the West Sussex health authority budget for 2002–03 as a result of likely (a) pay inflation, (b) medical inflation, (c) pension contributions and (d) national service framework compliance. [24662]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 8 January 2002]: For 2002–03 the West Sussex health authority has received an uplift of 9.58 per cent. in its recurrent unified allocation that is an additional £53.8 million. This is to cover both pay and non-pay inflation as well as achievement of access and National Service Framework target.
The West Sussex health authority assesses the impact of pay awards to be £17 million consuming 3.3 per cent. of its 9.58 per cent. uplift.
Medical inflation is not a recognised term as the effect of medical pay awards and price movements on medical and surgical supplies and drugs forms part of the overall inflation increase.
There is no specific addition for pension contributions as there are no changes to the superannuation scheme contributions for 2002–03.
The West Sussex health authority has received additional funding within its allocation to support the achievement of National Service Framework targets. The health authority will receive earmarked additional amounts for:
£ Cancer 1,127,000 Coronary heart disease 890,000 Mental health 1,112,000 In addition the health authority will receive earmarked additional amounts for:
£ Information management and technology 823,000 Building capacity 6,302,000 Primary care access 1,238,000 These six items alone total to: 11,492,000