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NHS allocations
The Department of Health allocates funding to primary care trusts (PCTs) on the basis of the relative needs of their populations. The purpose of this section is to explain how these allocations are made.
About NHS allocations
The Department of Health allocates funding to PCTs on the basis of the relative needs of their populations.
Allocations to primary care trusts
The Department announced 2008-09 PCT allocations on 13 December 2007. A table showing the allocations is available below. Previous allocations were notified through Health Service Circulars (HSCs). HSCs covering 2003-2004 to 2005-2006 allocations and 2006-2007 to 2007-2008 allocations are below. HSCs covering earlier allocations are available from the Publications and Statistics link above.
Exposition books
The Department publishes an exposition book shortly after announcing allocations which provides detailed information about revenue allocations. The 2008-09 PCT allocations are not accompanied by an exposition book.
Weighted capitation formula
The weighted capitation formula determines PCTs' target shares of available resources to enable them to commission similar levels of healthcare for populations with similar healthcare need.
Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation
The Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation (ACRA) advises the Secretary of State for Health on the distribution of resources across primary and secondary care to ensure that these fully reflect local population need and operate as fairly as possible. Members include academics, NHS managers and GPs.
Resource allocation papers
Catalogue of the major research papers (RARPs) and working papers (RAWPs) commissioned by ACRA and its predecessor body.
Contact us
The Resource Allocation team in the Finance and Investment Directorate is responsible for the policy and operation of NHS revenue resource allocation. We can be contacted at
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