HEALTH bosses in York and North Yorkshire have been handed a three per cent funding boost from the Government.

NHS North Yorkshire and York has been allocated a budget of £1.2 billion for the next financial year, an increase of £34.7 million from 2009/10. The increased budget follows the Government’s decision to ring fence NHS spending – in stark contrast to the big cuts made to local authorities and police forces.

However, it is 1.4 per cent less than the allocation recommended by the Department of Health’s funding formula – which is based on factors such as population and deprivation. Adrian Snarr, director of finance at NHS North Yorkshire and York, said: “We welcome the growth in our revenue allocation for 2011/12. It is broadly in line with our expectations. However, it remains 1.4 per cent under the allocation recommended by the Department of Health’s funding formula.”