Extra funding announced for NHS only half of what is needed, experts warn

Thinktanks warn new 3.3bn in each of next two years won't account for the 2.5bn inflation and other unexpected cost pressures

The NHS will receive an extra 3.3bn in each of the next two years, the chancellor has announced, but experts warned the cash is likely only half of what is needed to keep the health service afloat.

Jeremy Hunt told the Commons during his autumn statement he had been assured the funding would mean the NHS can hit its key priorities". Its chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, later issued a statement welcoming the funding, saying it showed that the government has been serious about its commitment to prioritise the NHS".