HEALTH chiefs in the town have welcomed changes to the funding formula used to allocate cash to CCGs.

The Warrington Guardian reported in March the town had got £32m less to spend on health in the town compared on average to the rest of the north west due to the way funding had previously been calculated.

But in 2015/16, the town's allocation is set to rise by seven per cent-the biggest percentage rise in the north of England.

John Wicks, interim chief officer for Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “We have long argued that the old NHS funding formula meant the people of Warrington were being short changed.

“That unfairness has now been recognised and news that Warrington will get an above average funding settlement next year and the year after is very welcome.

“It means that a funding gap which has grown over recent years will start to narrow and we will work with our partners to make sure that any additional money is put to the best possible use.

“In particular, we want to enhance our ability to support people with health needs in their own homes and ensure local hospitals deliver high-quality care.”

Warrington South MP David Mowat has also welcomed the news the CCG will receive an additional £8m next year and the year after.
He added: “I’m delighted that Warrington’s NHS is getting the cash boost that it deserves.

"For over a decade Warrington has been penalised by health allocations which do not reflect need.

"I am pleased that at last this process is stopping and we will have the biggest increase in the North of England.

"It is a start to put things right but the fight goes on.

“The Coalition Government made a commitment to increase the NHS Budget year on year, but we have only been able to secure that money because we have made difficult decisions on Welfare and on other areas of spending.”