Healthwatch Croydon is worried about the shortfall’s impact on patient’s experience of health services.                   Pic: www.tOrange.us

Croydon’s health services will remain under-funded this year despite receiving an extra £26m more from the government

Croydon’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is set to receive £467m in funding from NHS England for 2016-17, an increase of just under £26m, or almost six per cent, and two per cent higher than the London average.

However this will still leave it with a £11.9m deficit.

“Our established policy is that where funding is within 5 per cent of a CCG’s    target,“ said a spokesperson for NHS England, “ it is considered reasonable to conclude that an area is appropriately funded to meet the health needs of the population.

“Croydon CCG will receive £25.8m cash growth in funding in 2016/17, an increase of 5.86% compared to the average growth for London of 3.60%. The CCG will also receive above average London CCG increases for the next four years.”

Croydon CCG has operated on a budget deficit for many years. Government funding fell short by £25m last year, while the years 2014-15 and 2013-14 were underfunded by £40m and £46m respectively.

Charlie Ladyman, chief executive of Healthwatch Croydon, said: “There seems to be quite a gap between what NHS England is offering and the amount that Croydon CCG says it needs. We are concerned that this shortfall will ultimately impact patient’s accessibility and experience of health services.”

Tony Brzezicki, General Practitioner Chair of Croydon CCG said: “Whilst this is welcome news, it is important to note that this funding will have constraints that are outlined in national guidance.”

He continued: “We are already aware that the funds will need to be deployed to match increases to the national prices we pay for treatments, to invest in mental health services, to fund existing commitments in primary care IT and to managing Croydon’s existing £11.9m deficit position.”

Brzezicki said Croydon CCG’s services will work towards getting more funding to tackle the budget shortfall.