NHS spending is to increase above inflation over the next four years, George Osborne has said
12 April 2012
Total health spending will rise by more than inflation in the next four years but managers will be expected to make savings and divert money to frontline care, Chancellor George Osborne has said.
Delivering his Comprehensive Spending Review to MPs, Mr Osborne said the health budget would rise from £104 billion this year to £114 billion by the end of the next four years.
But the Government aims to save up to £20 billion a year in the health service through better value-for-money, with the cash to be reinvested in health care.
Universal benefits for pensioners will be retained exactly as budgeted for by the previous government and the temporary increase in the Cold Weather Payment will be made permanent, the Chancellor said.
