HEALTH bosses have backtracked on a decision announced earlier this year to offer IVF treatment on the NHS to couples in York.

The Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) had announced in June that it had agreed a criteria for treatment. It is currently the only place in the UK not to offer at least one cycle of IVF to childless couples who cannot conceive naturally.

But this week the organisation’s governing body met and voted to defer offering a single cycle of IVF, as it cannot afford the cost.

Dr Tim Hughes, from the CCG, said they had passed a motion to aspire to commission IVF in the future.

He said: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the CCG’s governing body has voted temporarily to defer the commissioning of IVF services in the Vale of York for 2014-15.”

There are approximately 110 couples in the area wanting IVF, but Dr Hughes said the service could cost as much as £2m a year to provide.

The move has been criticised by campaigners, who say people’s hopes had been raised, only to be dashed again.

For couples in the CCG's district at the upper age limit of being eligible for IVF treatment, the delay could mean they never receive it on the NHS.

York Outer MP Julian Sturdy said he was extremely disappointed with the decision.

He said: "This means York will be the only area not to offer at least one cycle of IVF, and this leaves my constituents once again at a disadvantage compared to people in neighbouring areas like Harrogate, Scarborough and Ryedale."

The CCG's governing body voted to look again at the issues later this financial year.