The 2017 Budget and the NHS: experts give their verdict

What was your overall verdict on the Budget?

JA: I’d give it a 5 out of 10. There is more money—it’s clearly not enough. I’ve been asked whether the glass is half full or half empty. I think we should be asking for a bigger glass, to be honest.AC: The chancellor has dealt with some of the short term pressures, but . . . health spending pressures aren’t going away. So far the chancellor hasn’t got an answer to that question.SA: I was partly relieved it wasn’t much worse. The government has acted, and other government departments will be looking on with envy at what the NHS has received. At the same time, it’s far less than what we estimate is needed …