Government details structural breakdown of new health funding plans

The government has provided the first estimates of how funding will be allocated to healthcare stakeholders under reform plans outlined in the Health and Social Care Bill.

By mapping current primary care trust spending levels on to the new structures and funding totals planned for 2012/13, it has been forecast that doctors, nurses and other health professionals will control almost 65 billion pounds of NHS funding next year.

This will be used by clinical commissioning groups to develop relationships with local partners and plan services, while a further 21 billion pounds will be provided for use by the NHS Commissioning Board.

Meanwhile, 5.2 billion pounds will be spent on public health services, while 2.2 billion pounds will be allocated to local authorities to address the needs of regional communities and eliminate health inequalities.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley said: "Our modernisation plans will help to cut waste, reduce bureaucracy and simplify NHS structures so that the money invested will improve frontline care for patients."

Earlier this month, the government announced it will be offering support to a number of trusts affected by serious financial issues, provided they can prove the sustainability of their future business models.