TestenGOLD- Free

Inflation-busting NHS deal 'not enough to fix service'

The Independent|October 21, 2024
BMA calls for government to match funding of Blair years
- DAVID MADDOX
Inflation-busting NHS deal 'not enough to fix service'

Fears have been raised that Wes Streeting’s inflation-busting funding deal for the NHS will not be enough for him to pay for the reforms he wants to drive through.

Sources have told The Independent that the Department for Health and Social Care is set to get about 4 per cent – between £7bn and £8bn – as Mr Streeting confirmed that he has mostly agreed his settlement with chancellor Rachel Reeves. Inflation is currently running at 1.7 per cent.

But despite the figure being the most generous settlement for any government department, experts and NHS insiders have been warned by the respected King’s Fund that it is “a stand-still settlement” while others claim it may be short of what is needed in the wake of the massive pay deal for junior doctors.

The British Medical Association (BMA), which represents doctors, has told The Independent it believes the government should match the average of the Tony Blair government years which saw an annual rise of 6.7 per cent. This would equate to more than £13bn in the current Budget – well above what Mr Streeting is understood to have secured.

The row, which also dogged the previous Tory governments, is overshadowed by the recent report by Lord Darzi which suggested the NHS needs £37bn, including £19.2bn of investment in capital infrastructure over three years.

It comes as Mr Streeting joins the prime minister today to urge the public and people working in the NHS to take part in a major consultation on the future of the service.

The Independent has learned that the influential Labour Together think tank is already planning Mr Starmer’s strategy to win the next election, with the NHS and the cost of living crisis being central pillars. This means Labour will need “to fix the NHS” by the time they go to the country again.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 21, 2024-Ausgabe von The Independent.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 9.500 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 21, 2024-Ausgabe von The Independent.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 9.500 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS THE INDEPENDENTAlle anzeigen
Trump's irrational travel ban is an exercise in extremism
The Independent

Trump's irrational travel ban is an exercise in extremism

To borrow a famous phrase from another American president, no one should ever misunderestimate the capacity for idiocy of Donald J Trump.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025
'I wanted to be a singersongwriter like Billy Joel'
The Independent

'I wanted to be a singersongwriter like Billy Joel'

Disney composer Alan Menken has won more Oscars than anyone alive. As 'Hercules' the musical hits the West End, he speaks with Lydia Spencer-Elliott about finding the 'whoa'

time-read
6 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025
Champion Swiatek toppled by late Sabalenka surge
The Independent

Champion Swiatek toppled by late Sabalenka surge

The reign is over. It's a reality that will hit Iga Swiatek as brutally as a thumping forehand return from Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated the French Open champion 7-6, 4-6, 6-0 to reach her first Roland Garros final.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025
Briton held in Sri Lanka jail could wait months for bail
The Independent

Briton held in Sri Lanka jail could wait months for bail

Charlotte May Lee accused of smuggling synthetic cannabis

time-read
3 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025
Labour bans annual bonuses for six water company chiefs
The Independent

Labour bans annual bonuses for six water company chiefs

Six water companies have been banned from paying bonuses to senior bosses, under new rules that come into force today.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025
Labour beats SNP in shock Hamilton by-election win
The Independent

Labour beats SNP in shock Hamilton by-election win

Labour recorded a shock victory in the Holyrood by-election last night, seizing the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse seat from the SNP.

time-read
1 min  |
June 06, 2025
Wiegman dismisses 'noise' around Lionesses squad
The Independent

Wiegman dismisses 'noise' around Lionesses squad

England head coach Sarina Wiegman 'really excited' by her Euro 2025 side despite much-publicised loss of senior trio

time-read
3 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025
Those who could benefit from winter fuel U-turn
The Independent

Those who could benefit from winter fuel U-turn

In a latest U-turn after months of backlash, Sir Keir Starmer's government has announced that more pensioners will receive the winter fuel allowance.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025
Boy and girl sentenced for killing of 80-year-old man
The Independent

Boy and girl sentenced for killing of 80-year-old man

Bhim Kohli was found screaming out’ in pain near his home

time-read
2 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025
James has talent to light up Euros... if her fitness allows
The Independent

James has talent to light up Euros... if her fitness allows

The past week hasn't exactly been an oasis of calm for the Lionesses. Mary Earps and Fran Kirby have retired from international football, Millie Bright withdrew from selection for Euro 2025.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025

Wir verwenden Cookies, um unsere Dienste bereitzustellen und zu verbessern. Durch die Nutzung unserer Website stimmen Sie zu, dass die Cookies gesetzt werden. Learn more