§ Mr. ColemanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure that regional wage differentials are reflected in the funding of the national health service. [68891]
§ Mr. HuttonAllocations made to the national health service already take account of differential regional staffing costs. The weighted capitation formula used to calculate health authority target shares of revenue allocations includes a staff market forces factor. The aim of the staff market forces factor is to reflect the unavoidable geographical variation in staff costs that NHS employers incur.
In addition for 2002–03 a further £101 million was allocated to the high cost areas of London and the South of England to fund cost of living supplements for qualified nurses and some allied health professionals.
Future arrangements are being kept under review and will take account of the outcome of the negotiations on a new NHS pay system.