We cautiously welcome the focus on health in the UK Government Spending Review with the increased budget for the NHS in England. We are hopeful that the Scottish Government will utilise the corresponding increase to Scotland’s block grant to prioritise health spend, beyond the scope of the NHS, in Scotland’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy this month. Our members provide a range of vital services which promote health creation and address health inequalities across Scotland.
However, we are dismayed that the Chancellor has not addressed the disproportionate impact of increased employer’s National Insurance contributions on the voluntary sector. Our members are experiencing considerable financial challenges at present and increased costs related to employers National Insurance contributions will undoubtedly impact the delivery of vital frontline health services delivered by the sector.
We are also concerned at the focus of increased welfare spending on tackling economic inactivity and reducing fraud. Many people with disabilities and long-term conditions, supported by our members, are concerned about their ongoing benefit entitlement given recent government proposals. Members have also expressed concern at the potential stigma generated by the language around economic activity and the disproportionate focus on benefit fraud.
To conclude, the Spending Review is a mixed bag for voluntary sector health organisations in Scotland and we urge the UK Government, and the Scottish Government, to prioritise addressing health inequalities when making future spending decisions.
Sarah Latto is Policy & Public Affairs Lead at Voluntary Health Scotland
