The Conservative government’s cash injection for the NHS, while welcome, does not go far enough to address the service’s staffing crisis, according to independent charity the King’s Fund.
Yesterday’s Autumn Budget speech saw chancellor Rishi Sunak reveal government spending on healthcare is set to increase by £30bn by 2024/25.
Sunak revealed that while spending on healthcare stood at £133bn at the start of the parliament, and £147bn for 2020/21, this figure is set to increase to £177bn by 2024/25.
This includes an already announced £8bn for a major catch up programme that will help the NHS to provide elective care that was delayed by the pandemic.
But commenting on the chancellor’s announcement, Richard Murray, chief executive of The King’s Fund, said the real game changer would have been clear funding for a workforce plan.
“Chronic workforce shortages across the health and care system heap further pressure on overstretched staff who are exhausted from the pandemic,” Murray added.
“Yet despite pledges, promises and manifesto commitments, the government has failed to use this Spending Review to answer the question of how it will chart a path out of the staffing crisis by setting out the funding for a multi-year workforce strategy.
“It is abundantly clear that the social care system cannot continue in its current form and is failing the people who need it.
“While the government’s commitment to bring forward funding reform is welcome, the sector is at breaking point now.”