The King's Fund comments on speculation about NHS funding in the upcoming budget

Commenting on weekend speculation about NHS funding announcements in the forthcoming budget on 30 October, Siva Anandaciva, Chief Analyst and Interim Director of Policy at The King’s Fund, said:

'NHS waiting lists for routine care are stuck at over 7.5 million, the maintenance backlog for NHS buildings and equipment has risen to nearly £14 billion, and new staff pay deals need to be funded for an NHS which is one of the largest employers in the world. It is unlikely that any government would be able to give the NHS ‘enough’ right now to tackle all the serious funding pressures that have built up over the previous years. The NHS has received higher funding settlements than other public services over the years and a funding increase of 4% above inflation would be a significant increase compared to the years of austerity the NHS endured during parts of the last decade.

'The foundational principles of a taxpayer-funded and free at the point of use NHS are as valid today as they were 75 years ago. But many agree that the NHS needs to reform and modernise how it works. So even if the funding on the table is unlikely to be ‘enough’, the government will need to show that the extra investment it is providing – at no small political cost if this funding comes in part from higher taxes – is being used to support reforms to how the NHS works, rather than just paying for more of the same.'

Notes to editors

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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.