[holding answer 7 December 2006]: The weighted capitation formula is one of four elements used to set allocations for primary care trusts. The other three elements are recurrent baselines (the previous year's allocation plus in-year adjustments), distances from targets (the difference between weighted capitation targets and recurrent baselines) and pace of change policy (which determines the level of increases given to PCTs).
The national formula is overseen by the independent advisory committee on resource allocation and is applied consistently to all PCTs. The impact on the 2006-07 and 2007-08 allocations to PCTs in Northamptonshire is shown in the table.
2006-07 and 2007-08 percentage increase in funding 2007-08 closing percentage distance from target Cherwell Vale 24.1 -3.5 Daventry and South Northamptonshire 26.1 -3.5 Northampton 23.0 -3.5 Northamptonshire Heartlands 29.4 -3.5 South Peterborough 20.2 -2.2 England average 19.5 0.0 Note: The table is based on allocations made to 303 PCTs before they were reduced to 152 PCTs on 1 October 2006. From 1 October 2006 there is one Northamptonshire PCT.