Funding pressures putting NHS progress at risk

Responding to the chancellor’s spring statement, Dr Layla McCay, director of policy speaking for NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, said:

"We agree wholeheartedly with the chancellor’s priority to stabilise public finances. However, the financial context for the NHS has changed significantly since the government’s autumn budget. Higher than expected pay award for NHS staff, three rounds of resident doctors’ strikes, forthcoming increases to medicines spending and potential inflationary pressures from conflict overseas will take their toll on an already stretched budget. 

"This raises very difficult questions about how services will meet rising demand while pursuing the government's ambitions for long-term transformation.

"NHS organisations are coming under severe financial pressure, with leaders warning of cuts to services and staffing levels. Already several integrated care boards expect to end this financial year in deficit despite major efficiency savings and productivity gains. The Office for Budget Responsibility specifically highlights the risk of further industrial action across the NHS as a ‘significant risk’ to departmental spending plans.

"Recent improvements in elective and cancer care show what targeted investment can achieve. Growing financial pressures, without fresh government commitments, are putting this momentum at risk."