§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what flexibilities exist within Agenda for Change to provide high cost of living supplements to wage payments. [156281]
§ Mr. HuttonUnder the proposed new pay system, Agenda for Change, current arrangements for London allowances will be replaced by a new harmonised system of high cost area supplements. Any changes to the value or geographic coverage of these supplements will usually be agreed at national level. National health service employing organisations will also have the flexibility to pay recruitment and retention premiums, subject to consultation with neighbouring employers and strategic health authorities.