Health Inequalities 2023-04-25
2023-04-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK ranks low in global life expectancy, with Professor Martin McKee noting that poverty is a significant factor. The Scottish Government has limited powers to address this issue as Westminster controls 85% of social security.
I am concerned about the UK ranking 29th globally for life expectancy and the impact of poverty on health inequalities. Despite Scotland's efforts, they are constrained by Westminster control over 85% of social security funding. What representations has the Secretary of State made to Cabinet colleagues and the Department for Work and Pensions regarding the damaging effects of their policies on life expectancy?
The hon. Gentleman highlights an important issue. Following representations, the Chancellor's Budget announced additional funding to tackle health impediments to access to the labour market and a targeted action on smoking cessation including financial incentives for pregnant mums.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details about the impact of social security policies on life expectancy were not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
In Buckinghamshire, there is an eight-year difference in life expectancy between residents of Aylesbury North West ward and Ridgeway East ward. Despite this disparity, both areas receive similar funding.
Even in affluent areas like Buckinghamshire, health inequalities exist, with figures from Opportunity Bucks showing a significant disparity in life expectancy. Despite similar funding levels, what steps is the government taking to ensure deprived communities get additional help and support?
My hon. Friend highlights a crucial issue. Practical examples include lung cancer check vans that have improved early diagnosis rates in deprived areas, leading to better survival rates.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures addressing funding disparities were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK's life expectancy ranking is low, attributed partly to poverty by Professor Martin McKee. The Scottish Government struggles with limited powers in addressing these issues.
Women in my constituency have a healthy life expectancy of only 56 years. Why does the Secretary of State believe there is a 10-year difference between West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire, where health inequalities are stark?
The hon. Gentleman correctly points to the need to narrow health inequalities. We have committed to women's health hubs and targeted interventions like obesity, smoking, and lung cancer screening programs.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific reasons for disparities were not provided
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
In Cornwall, many people are unable to access NHS dental care due to financial constraints and geographic factors.
Cornwall residents struggle to get dental care without going private. What can the Secretary of State do to increase accessibility of NHS dentistry in deprived areas?
We have started reforming the dental contract, introduced a minimum value for units of dental activity and are seeing more patients nationally. Further reforms are underway.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to address Cornwall's specific issues were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Women in West Yorkshire face significant health disparities compared to North Yorkshire, with a 10-year difference in life expectancy.
Why does the Secretary of State believe there is a 10-year difference in healthy life expectancy for women between West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire? What actions will be taken to address this?
The hon. Gentleman highlights a key issue. We are committed to narrowing health inequalities through the women's health strategy, which includes women's health hubs and targeted interventions like obesity and smoking cessation programs.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific reasons for disparities were not provided
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Under the current government, health disparities have widened, with significant differences in life expectancy between Blackpool and Kensington.
A baby born in Blackpool today will live eight years less than one born in Kensington. Why does the Secretary of State not address these health inequalities through Labour's plan to scrap non-dom tax status and train 5,000 new health visitors?
Everyone agrees on the need to close health inequality gaps. The government is taking steps such as extra funding for digital mental health apps and targeted interventions like lung cancer screening.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific reasons for disparities were not provided
Response accuracy