HL Deb 07 November 2002 vol 640 cc146-7WA
Baroness Noakes

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have received a report from the Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation dealing with changes to the funding formula for the National Health Service; and, if so, whether they will publish that report. [HL6261]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath:

We are currently considering the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation for a new National Health Service funding formula. Later this autumn when we announce the revenue allocations for the next three years we will explain changes to the formula. The team which carried out the research into the new formula plans to publish a full report of its findings.

Baroness Noakes

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to consult about any changes to the funding formula for the National Health Service that would take account of health inequalities. [HL6262]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath:

The existing formula used to allocate National Health Service resources has been reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation (ACRA). ACRA's terms of reference are to advise the Secretary of State for Health on the distribution of resources across primary and secondary care. ACRA is an expert body whose membership is made up of individuals with a wide range of relevant experience and expertise from within and outside the NHS. We do not consult on ACRA's recommendations.