Written question asked by Karen Lumley (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 December 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 December 2011. It was answered by Simon Burns (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 December 2011 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Health Services: Finance

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what account is taken by specialised commissioning groups of (a) in-year costs of treatment and (b) long-term savings in making their funding decisions.

Answer: This is primarily a matter for the local national health service. Specialised Commissioning Groups (SCGs) are accountable to their primary care trusts (PCTs) on all matters of governance including their financial decisions. SCGs will consider the cost and clinical effectiveness, the potential health gain and the opportunity costs and benefits of any proposal. As joint committees of PCTs, they will need to keep in mind the duty not to exceed spending limits.

Secondary information