PCTs in London and the East of England were the worst offenders with less than 10 per cent of funding actually committed to intended projects. Largest sums went unspent in London (£18.7 million) and Yorkshire and the Humber (£13 million) (see table below).
Dr Tim Crayford, president of the Association of Directors of Public Health, said: ‘The government should make sure this is ring fenced so that it is used for its intended purpose.’
The body forecasts that more than 70 per cent of funds earmarked for public health in 2007/8 will not be spent there.
neil.durham@haymarket.com
| 2006/7 public health underspend by strategic health authority | |
| North West | £10.9 million |
| North East | £8 million |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £13 million |
| East Midlands | £4.5 million |
| West Midlands | £12.5 million |
| East of England | £8 million |
| South West | £7.5 million |
| South Central: | £3.2 million |
| South East Coast | £5.7 million |
| London | £18.7 million |
| Source: Association of Directors of Public Health | |
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