MPs to call for fairer deal on NHS funding to cope with elderly

The PCT was abolished at the end of March, leaving behind debts of around £12m which were passed on to the four “clinical commissioning groups” across North Yorkshire which took over its role.

York Council wrote to Mr Hunt asking for the Department of Health to “absorb” the debts so the new groups could start with a clean balance sheet.

But Mr Hunt has rejected the request insisting it was up to the PCT and CCGs to manage their finances.

MPs in the area argue the area suffers under the NHS funding formula because not enough weight is given to the cost of providing services to older people and in rural areas.

NHS England is currently reviewing the formula.

York Central MP Hugh Bayley said MPs had met Health Minister Dan Poulter to put their case.

“We were all arguing for a revised funding formula for the NHS. We all feel parts of North Yorkshire are under-funded compared to other clinical commissioning groups in the Yorkshire and Humber area.”

York Outer MP Julian Sturdy added: “As NHS England moves forward to a final decision on changes to the funding formula we have got to push forward and make sure more weight is given to age to represent the cost to healthcare services when people get older.

“We have got to come together to influence this consultation and stress the impact this has had over a number of years through different healthcare structures.”