§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Health on what basis funds are distributed between the drug action teams in England. [71396]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 23 July 2002]: £191.2 million for drugs misuse treatment services has been allocated to health authorities (HAs) in 2002–03, this represents an increase of £51.5 million or 36.9 per cent. over 2001–02, through the pooled treatment budget.
Allocations to HAs in 2002–03 for drugs misuse treatment services through the pooled treatment budget were informed by a new weighted capitation formula. This formula weights populations of 15–44 year olds for utilisation rates by age and sex, additional need and the market forces factor. All HAs received an increase of at least 30 per cent. over their allocation for 2001–02. The Department provided indicative allocations to drug action team level, but the final decision on allocations lies with the HA.
It should also be noted that additional funding from mainstream health budgets, social services community care budgets and the treatment element of the arrest referral scheme budget are allocated for drug treatment services at local level.