Solihull PCT budget cuts put health services under threat

9.57.09am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 9th Mar 2006

Government cuts to funding for Solihull Primary Care Trust could result in reduced services for Solihull patients, claims Lorely Burt MP.

Mrs Burt said:

"Government announced reductions to PCT budgets very late, writing to the PCT on January 26th when plans for health services were well advanced locally.

"I am very concerned that the sudden decision to cut the Purchaser Parity Adjustment, worth £8,370,000 to Solihull PCT last year, will put patient services under threat across the borough.

The payment will be phased out over three years, with a 50% cut for 06/07 resulting in a loss of £4,185,000, a cut of 75% in 06/07 resulting in a loss of £6,277,000 in 07/08 and a cut of 100% resulting in a loss of £8,370,000 in 08/09

"These are serious reductions in the overall funding available to spend on health services in Solihull, and will inevitably lead to a reduction in services: In the end it is patients who will suffer. This is just one more example of a Government that talks the talk, but doesn't walk the walk," added Lorely Burt.