The King’s Fund responds to the Spring Statement

Commenting on today’s Spring Statement, Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King’s Fund, said:  

‘While today’s statement was not a definitive moment for NHS spending, the Chancellor’s announcements, and the economic headwinds that drive them, will have consequences for people’s health.  

‘The Office for Budget Responsibility's accompanying assessment of today's Spring Statement reveals that 'unprotected' departments outside of health, education and defence will have their budgets cut from next year. Such cuts could have knock-on effects on people's health, and increase demand for health and care services.  

‘The NHS is not an island. There are a range of public services that impact our health,  such as the quality of housing, access to green space, and availability of transport. Similarly, the extent to which the NHS can prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses earlier can reduce pressures on other areas of public spending.  

‘To this point, the disability benefit reforms announced last week are in part reliant on health and care services being in place to support people back to good health. Currently, many of those NHS services, such as mental health services or services to address early musculoskeletal issues, are not routinely and reliably available across the country.  

‘The upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review will provide more detail in June. When the inevitable difficult choices are made, we hope that the plan to improve the nation’s health does not get knocked back by fiscal decisions in other areas.’ 

Notes to editors

For further information, or to request an interview, please contact the Press and Public Affairs team on 020 7307 2585. 

The King's Fund is an independent charity working to improve health and care in England. We help to shape policy and practice through research and analysis; develop individuals, teams and organisations; promote understanding of the health and social care system; and bring people together to learn, share knowledge and debate. Our vision is that the best possible health and care is available to all.