A frontline health trust is among the worst in the country, according to a report.

Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust was rated fifth worst among PCTs nationwide for mishandling taxpayers’ money and not providing adequate care.

The news comes as the Government moves to scrap the trusts and regional bodies, known as strategic health authorities, with GPs taking on their role.

Health campaigners said the figures provided further evidence the current system was failing the people who paid for it.

Geoff Martin, chairman of campaign group London Health Emergency, said: “The picture might be bad now on this league table, but it will get a whole lot worse when the looming cuts are bulldozed through.”

The Health Service Journal compiled the World Class Commissioning league table, which was based on results from 144 out of 152 trusts across the country.

The figures are based on 49 factors relating to how well PCTs govern in terms of finance and strategy and how competent they are at ensuring a high quality, efficient and effective service.

A NHS Sutton and Merton spokesman said the World Class Commissioning panel “made it clear we need to fully understand the implications of the financial challenges facing us and to strengthen our turnaround capability”.

He said: “Since the panel made its report, the board has developed a £28m better value programme, incorporating a range of demand management schemes and recruited a better value director to support us in recovering our financial position.

“We were pleased the panel recognised strong clinical leadership within the PCT, including recognition of our work with practice-based commissioning groups to develop shadow integrated care organisations.”