With Labour having had some time to put some plans in action, we take a look at their spending promises, from their manifesto and since, and what money has already been allocated.
Labour’s manifesto claimed to be fully costed, fully funded and built on a rock of fiscal responsibility, committing to a range of public spending.
They promised to cut NHS waiting times with 40,000 more appointments each week, during evening and weekends, which will be paid for by cracking down on tax avoidance and non-dom loopholes. The Labour manifesto sets aside £1 billion for this.
£125 million was allocated in the manifesto for a dentistry package including 700,000 urgent appointments every year.
The manifesto includes a mission to build an NHS fit for the future, which has since been backed up with commitments to technology spending.
Training
In August, Crown Commercial Service (CCS) agreed to fund two NHS England initiatives which aim to boost commercial capability and improve efficiency and patient care and reduce waiting lists.
CCS is set to provide NHS England with over £15 million over the next three years, to support NHS Energy Management Capability and to create a first of its kind NHS Commercial Learning & Development Academy. The Academy will offer commercial staff access to a range of learning and development opportunities to deliver a best-in-class workforce.
Clincial trials
The government recently announced £400 million of investment for clinical trials. The Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Investment Programme will channel investment into the UK’s health and life sciences sector over the next five years, with an aim to boost economic growth and the global competitiveness of the UK’s life sciences sector.
Technology
Labour plans to introduce a new ‘Fit For the Future’ fund to double the number of CT and MRI scanners. The manifesto allocates £250 million for this policy.
Five new hubs to develop practical use of quantum technology in areas like medical scanners, secure communication networks, and next-generation positioning systems have been backed by over £100 million of government funding.
Procurement
There are plans to develop an NHS innovation and adoption strategy in England. This will include a plan for procurement, which aims to give a clearer route to get products into the NHS alongside reformed incentive structures to drive innovation and faster regulatory approval for new technology and medicines.
Recruitment
£410 million was listed in the manifesto to recruit 8,500 new mental health staff. £65 million was set aside to put youth workers in A&E units and custody centres, and youth mentors in pupil referral units.
Support for SMEs
The manifesto has promised support for small business, with a plan for small business. This plan involves action on late payments to make sure they are paid on time as well as making it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises to gain access to capital. This comes alongside reform to procurement rules to give SMEs greater access to government contracts.
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has revealed that £3.52 billion (16.7 per cent) of central government spending went directly to 1,525 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) over the last year.
The government also recently announced a promised crackdown on late payments.
