Policy Hub
A briefing released by the Audit Commission on 11 March 2010 estimates that, from NHS funds, £21 billion was allocated in 2009/10 to address health inequalities. Despite the health of the nation improving overall, health inequality has proved a stubborn area to address.
The briefing highlights the contrasting success achieved in different localities, particularly in relation to teenage pregnancies. Despite the sums of money allocated, it is not always clear how much has been spent on eliminating health inequalities and what the impact has been. It is hard to see an obvious link between spending and improvement or get any clear view of value for money.
Healthy balance: a review of public health performance and spending (PDF)