Allocations

NHS England is responsible for determining allocations of financial resources to integrated care boards (ICBs) from April 2023. Total annual budgets given to ICBs cover the majority of NHS spending. The allocations process uses a statistical formula to make geographic distribution fair and objective, so that it more clearly reflects local healthcare need and helps to reduce health inequalities.

This page contains the allocations and associated documents for the 2023/24 to 2024/25 allocations rounds. Information on previous allocations can be found below:

Updates to 2024/25 allocations

Allocation of resources 2023/24 to 2024/25

Technical guide to ICB allocations 2023/24 to 2024/25

Supporting spreadsheets for allocations 2023/24 to 2024/25

Supporting tools for allocations 2023/24 to 2024/25

ICB place-based allocations tool

We have developed a place-based tool which allows the user to aggregate GP practices into defined areas i.e. “places” of interest and calculates the weighted populations and relative need indices for these defined areas. The tool is designed to provide insight into the lower area level data that informs the overall allocations to ICBs by providing information on the variation in need between different areas within ICBs.

Allocations infographics

We have also developed an illustrated guide to the methodology and approach to the way that resources are allocated in the NHS. This uses images and metaphors to make the ideas and models supporting the formula more accessible, as an introduction to the detailed allocations technical guidance.

We are aware that this PDF document may not be fully accessible for all assistive technology users. If you need this information in an alternative format please email us: england.revenue-allocations@nhs.net

Background materials

Cost recovery for overseas visitors

Research reports on the allocations formulae

2024/25:

2022/23:

2019/20:

2016/17:

ACRA recommendation letters and papers

The Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation (ACRA) provides recommendations and advice on the target, relative geographical distribution of funding for health services in England, given the objectives of the funding formula. It is supported by a Technical Advisory Group (TAG).  ACRA membership is set out in the terms of reference.

ACRA papers

This section contains papers from ACRA discussions.  Some aspects of these papers have been redacted in line with FOI principles.

Further reading

Need more help?

For queries on ICB allocations or suggestions for ACRA’s work programme please email: england.revenue-allocations@nhs.net