CONCERNS have been raised that the NHS needs change but the budget will not deliver this, according to some National Assembly committees.

Some National Assembly for Wales committees have reported on the Welsh Government’s draft budget 2018-19. The health, social care and sport committee has published its findings, alongside reports from six other Assembly committees. 

The committee found this week that "significant change" is needed to transform and improve NHS services but has warned that the Welsh Government budget is not targeted to achieve this. 

It also highlighted that extra funding is sustaining the current position rather than allowing improvements. 

The finance committee found there is limited evidence of improvement in financial planning in local health boards. It warned that escalating social care costs coupled with rising demand required urgent attention and a "whole-system" approach to health care. 

The finance committee added that an increase in funding for the health service can result in a cut to other areas, most notably local government, which often have responsiblility for the majority of social care provision.

The equality, local government and communities committee recommended that the Welsh Government explains how outcomes will be monitored to ensure that the removal of ring-fenced budgets does not lead to vulnerable people falling between gaps in services. 

Simon Thomas AM, who is chairman of the finance committee, said:

“Scrutinising this budget has been a change for all the committees in the Assembly – the finance committee has developed its role into holding the Government to account on its high level and strategic priorities, while examining the Government’s intentions with regards to raising revenue and borrowing.

“However, it is good to see that some of the issues coming from the policy committees are resonating with our findings; concerns have been raised around the continued prioritisation of health, often at the expense of local government. 

“Additionally, we are still struggling to see the impact of the Future Generations Act, which was raised by the members of finance committee and the environment committee.”

On December 5 the National Assembly will debate and vote on the Welsh Government’s draft budget 2018-19.  On December 19 the final budget will be published.