BRITISH finance secretary Rishi Sunak's budget this week will include an extra £5.9 billion ($8.1 billion) of spending for the health service over the next few years to drive down waiting lists, the finance ministry said on Sunday (24).

The sum comes on top of an £8 billion package announced in September to tackle backlogs built up over the Covid-19 pandemic, the finance ministry said.

The spending is aimed at increasing what is termed elective activity in the National Health Service (NHS) - such as scans and non-emergency procedures - by 30 per cent by the 2024/25 financial year.

It comprises £2.3 billion for testing services, £2.1 billion to improve the technology behind the health service, and £1.5 billion to increase bed capacity.

"This is a game-changing investment in the NHS to make sure we have the right buildings, equipment and systems to get patients the help they need and make sure the NHS is fit for the future," Sunak said in a statement.

On Saturday, the government said the budget would include £5 billion to fund health research and £3 billion for education.

Sunak is expected to set fairly tight limits for most areas of day-to-day public spending in his budget on Wednesday, which will seek to lower public debt after a record surge in borrowing during the pandemic.

(Reuters)