To ask the Secretary of State for Health what projections for the population of the City of Newcastle in 2006-07 and 2007-08 were used in allocating resources for health services; how those projections were calculated; and what methodology will be used to project the population of the city for 2008-09. (167213)

The 2006-07 and 2007-08 revenue allocations to primary care trusts (PCTs) used 2003 based Office for National Statistics (ONS) sub-national population projections for 2006 and 2007 respectively, adjusted for cross boundary flows of patients between PCTs using 2004 general practitioner practice lists. A detailed explanation of the methodology is contained in “Resource Allocation: Weighted Capitation Formula (Fifth Edition)” which is available in the Library and also at:

www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Organisationpolicy/Financeandplanning/Allocations/DH_076396.

The population projections used for allocations to Newcastle PCT are shown in the following table.

A one-year PCT revenue allocation has been announced for 2008-09. The funding formula will be frozen in 2008-09, this means that no data or formula changes, including population, will be implemented for that year. All PCTs will receive a flat-rate increase on their 2007-08 revenue allocation.