The UK chancellor has pledged to increase NHS funding by 3% in her latest spending review as she promises to ‘renew Britain’.
Rachel Reeves unveiled the details today (11 June) with billions set for investment in healthcare, energy, housing, transport and infrastructure.
The NHS was allocated a 3% increase in funding, equal to £29 billion.
She said: ‘I am proud to announce today this Labour government is making a record cash investment in our National Health Service, increasing real terms, day-to-day spending by 3% per year for every single year of this spending review.’
New analysis from the British Dental Association (BDA) suggests the share of departmental spending allocated to dentistry has more the halved under the previous Conservative government – from 3.3% of the overall budget in 2010/11 to 1.5% in 2023/24.
How has the profession reacted to the spending review?
BDA chair Eddie Crouch said: ‘The chancellor says she chooses investment over decline. That logic must be applied to NHS dentistry.
‘It’s no surprise this service is on its last legs, when its share of the pie has halved in a generation.
‘Today’s settlement offers an opportunity to restore care to millions. It can’t be missed.’
While the Medical Defence Union (MDU) has welcomed the prioritisation of healthcare services, it emphasises that reform is still urgently needed to ensure the extra funding is spent effectively.
Tom Reynolds, director of policy and communications at the MDU, said: ‘The MDU welcomes the announcement today that the NHS will receive an extra 3% of funding from the government. It is our hope that these funds are used wisely and are directed towards frontline NHS services.
‘The MDU is acutely aware of the strains on the NHS’ finances and have long campaigned for reform of the law surrounding clinical negligence costs. This could free up hundreds of millions of pounds every year to be spent on recruiting staff, improving staff working conditions, patient care and tackling waiting lists.
‘This is an opportunity for the government to be bold and embrace reforms. This would allow for the most effective use of this additional budget.’
Dental workforce shortages
Iain Stevenson, head of dental at Wesleyan Financial Services, said: ‘While the government’s pledge of increased NHS funding is welcome, the spending review offered little clarity on how this investment will address the specific and urgent challenges facing NHS dentistry.
‘Dentists will be understandably concerned by the lack of dedicated support in the review, especially given the ongoing strain many practices face in sustaining NHS services amidst rising costs and workforce shortages.
‘A clear financial roadmap is needed to support good clinical outcomes and ensure the long-term viability of the service.’
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