Following today’s Autumn budget announcements from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Ed Hughes, Chief Executive of the Council of the Deans of Health said:

“Today’s budget set the tone of the fiscal policies for this Labour government which are focused on stabilising the economy and cutting national debt.

We welcome the announcements of further investment in the NHS which includes £300million funding for NHS technology to boost productivity and improve patient services, expanding community services and the establishment of 250 neighbourhood health centres. The prioritisation of the NHS and the centrality of the 10-Year Health Plan in its success is clear in the budget. Our members are already working to support the three shifts set out in the 10-Year Health Plan through initiatives such setting up neighbourhood clinics, providing more social care placements and embracing digital technologies.

The NHS relies on a sustainable workforce pipeline from higher education institutions which are delivering the next generation of healthcare professionals. This is why the Council has repeatedly called for a cross-government taskforce and better join-up between education and health across government. Universities are currently facing the most challenging financial circumstances and whilst the commitment to protect core quality-related block grant and Higher Education Innovation Funding in real terms is welcome, more support is needed to maintain the world class education and research they provide. It will also be important to ensure that the levy on international fees does not reduce the attractiveness of UK universities to international students.

The Council supports the commitment to fulfilling the aims set out in the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper and the investment in skills and employment opportunities. Our members will welcome reforms to the apprenticeship system as this is a popular route into healthcare careers but not one without challenges for both universities and employers.

The budget recognised the investment needed to protect and strengthen public services and the Council of Deans of Health urges the government to give our members the support needed, through joined up investments across health and education, to truly ‘renew’ the NHS and ensure the sustainability of vital higher education provision.”