The Department of Health has announced its revenue allocations to Primary Care Trusts for 2008 - 2009. All PCTs will receive an increase of 5.5%, a total cash increase of £3.8 billion, bringing to total revenue allocations to £74 billion.  82% of the total NHS revenue budget will be issued direct to PCTs compared to 72% in 1996 - 1997. 

Overall, the Department of Health has trebled investments in the NHS since 1997 and this anouncement puts further resources into local communities.  Now more than 80% of the NHS revenue budget is allocated to PCTs, which means more money is under the direct control of those closest to patients and to the public. 

The five priorities for 2008 - 2009 will be:

1. Improving cleanliness and reducing healthcare-associated infections, in particular MRSA and Clostridum Difficile. 
2. Improving access through achievement of the 18-week referral to treatment pledge and improving access (including evenings and weekends) to GP services.  The aim is that by December 2008 no-one should have to wait more than 8 weeks from the time they are referred to the start of their treatment unless it is clinically appropriate to do so, or they choose to wait longer.  The Department for Health also wants PCTs to ensure that at least 50% of their GP practices in their areas offer extended opening to their patients. 
3. Keeping adults and children well, improving their health and reducing health inequalities.  In particular, tackling lifestyle diseases in the areas of cancer, strokes, children, and maternity health.
4. Improving patient experience, staff satisfaction and engagement
5. Preparing to respond in a statement of emergency such as an outbreak of pandemic flu.