LETTER : The best possible returns for trusts
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Colin L. Reeves
Sir: I was most concerned to read the headline "Health service managers lack a sense of balance" (22 February). The National Audit Office examined a sample of NHS trusts and found that all had developed treasury management policies in line with best professional practice. NHS trusts are expected to earn the best possible return on any temporary cash surplus they may hold, but this must be consistent with appropriate management effort, costs and the minimisation of risk.
The NAO report found that the NHS Executive had provided a firm foundation on which trusts can build their investment management policies. The Executive's role is to encourage NHS trusts regularly to review these policies and procedures to comply with best practice.
The prime aim will be to ensure that trusts set an investment strategy where cash is available when needed, risk of loss of deposit and transaction costs are minimised and an acceptable rate of interest is earned.
Yours faithfully,
COLIN L. REEVES
Director of Finance and
Corporate Information
NHS Executive
Leeds
28 February
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments