In a report on NHS funding allocations, the PAC raised concerns that 10% of PCT allocations were based on data sources that are at least 10 years old.
It said for these data sources the DoH seemed to accept the ‘best available’ data, rather than collecting more timely and accurate data.
The PAC urged the DoH to strengthen the data it uses when determining funding allocations for CCGs.
It said: ‘Working with the Treasury, departments should set standards for the accuracy and timeliness of data sources they use, focusing in particular on strengthening data where it will be central to proposed new arrangements, for example, funding CCGs.’
A DoH spokesman said the report highlights the strength of the DoH’s approach to allocating money to PCTs. He said: ‘We regularly review the way we allocate money to ensure that we use the most accurate, robust data available and target resources where they are most needed.
‘The DoH and the new NHS Commissioning Board will take the PAC's recommendations into account when determining allocations to CCGs and local authorities in the future and we will respond in due course.’
