This uplift is considered to be adequate to cover in year pressures on prescribing expenditure including those arising from the introduction of new therapies. Spending decisions are for Boards to make in the light of local needs, within a framework of national standards and priorities set by Ministers.An additional £3 million was allocated over 3 years to Health Boards in April 1999 for smoking cessation services, including the provision of one week's free NRT to smokers least able to afford to buy these products.