Budget 2020
A rundown of the headline points from the 2020 Budget, with analysis for the NHS and reaction from across the NHS Confederation.
A rundown of the headline points from the 2020 Budget, with analysis for the NHS and reaction from across the NHS Confederation.
Key points
- The Chancellor sought to shore up UK public confidence in the government’s ability and commitment to deal with COVID-19 by announcing £5 billion of emergency funding for the NHS and other public services and stating that whether it takes ‘millions or billions,‘ the NHS will receive the funding it needs to cope with additional strain placed on it by the coronavirus.
- In addition to funding for the NHS on coronovirus, the government presented a £30bn stimulus package to keep small firms operating, and help for people who can’t work because they’re ill or isolated.
- The government will change pensions tax rules to ensure that NHS staff across the UK – including senior doctors – whose income is less than £200,000, can work additional hours for the NHS without their annual allowance being reduced.
- On NHS spending, the government refreshed its commitment to £34 billion over the next five years, and in addition announced a further £6 billion in new funding over the course of this parliament.
- The Chancellor reaffirmed its intention to build 40 new hospitals, employ 50,000 more nurses and open up 50 million more GP appointments as set out in the Conservative party manifesto last year.
- No new funding was announced for social care.
