13. To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the allocation of resources to those areas with the greatest health need; and if he will make a statement. (243643)

The new funding formula announced last week includes a separate health inequalities formula, that directs resources to the places with greatest need. My hon. Friend’s local NHS benefits from the new formula and will receive an 11.7 per cent. increase in funding over the next two years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he plans to take in response to the resource allocation review; and if he will make a statement. (243640)

The recommendations of the advisory committee on resource allocation informed the new funding formula announced on 8 December that the hon. Member’s local NHS—South East Essex—benefits from the new formula and will receive an 11.3 per cent. increase in funding over the next two years.