SPECIAL health projects may have to be delayed because of a £1.8 million budget shortfall.

A board meeting of the Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust heard that the trust was nearly £2million short of the £134 million it needs to carry out programmes over the next three years.

The trust will now have to use 'brokerage,' or borrowing within the NHS, to cover the shortfall.

The shortfall has been created by the area's allocation of 'fair share' funding from the Government falling below what is required for the current population. The level was calculated by what was given historically.

Chief executive Vivien Aspey, said: "For there to be no money available to develop primary care, whether it is buildings or staff, is a pretty insufferable position to be in.

"I have worked in primary care organisations in one form or another for many years, and I don't recall any year where there has not been money available for staff increases and alterations in premises. I think the present situation is pretty serious."

Executive member Dr Alistair Murdoch, said: "For us not to deliver the practice part of primary care will have a big effect on lack of health improvement. This is very serious."

Members agreed the budget 'reluctantly' on the proviso that finance staff worked out a three-year cost plan to take in the trust's priorities.

Members had just looked at their business plan for the coming year, which included everything from setting up smoking cessation services to developing strategies on teenage pregnancies and alcohol misuse.

Mrs Aspey said after the meeting: "We have got a balanced budget for the current financial year. We will be able to deliver most of our business plan and we will be able to deliver on our prescribing costs. But we mustn't look at one year in isolation, as we will get our share of the increased investment in the NHS."

She added that the LIFT scheme, which will provide extra funding to improve run-down GP practices and the Personal Medical Services scheme (PMS), which could create extra jobs for GPs and nurses, would also help the PCT fulfil its plans.

Finance director Paul Hinnigan said: "We have been told to prepare a three-year plan, which is a good idea, because next year we will be receiving the extra money into the NHS, announced by the Government.