League for a ball game with a difference.

Abstract

The report in last week's Journal on the financial state of the Thames regions and Oxford RHA showed that many London AHAs are under severe pressure. This week Stephen Halpern looks at the rest of the English regions where cash problems are less critical. Growth money is helping to cushion much of the cash limit squeeze and most places look able to survive the year without too many cuts although at a few places severe cuts or deliberate overspending have occurred. The important thing is that the position could get worse this year. Cash shortfall estimates have been made on the assumption of an inflation rate of 17 1/2 per cent but it could end up much higher. Other problems faced by health authorities include increased fuel costs, implementing the Clegg report and the DHSS not playing ball by deciding that calculations of the cost of pay awards are too high. All these factors will combine to guarantee that life will not be too boring in the treasurer's department over the coming winter.