Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health

HC Deb 12 November 2003 vol 413 cc332-3W

Mr. Colman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the budget of the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health in(a) 2003–04 and (b) 2004–05 is allocated to the running costs of its nine regional offices. [136773]

Ms Rosie Winterton

The Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health (CPPIH) has an annual allocation of £34.5 million. This financial year, 2003–04, the Department has made additional funding available for staff training, taking the total up to £35.4 million. It is for the CPPIH to determine how best to meet its business needs within this budget.

The Department's role in the CPPIH's finances is to monitor for propriety, regularity and value for money through the annual report and end of year accounts.