Cold Weather Long-term Health Effects 2022-11-01
2022-11-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the impact of winter cold on vulnerable groups, with a focus on children and pensioners. The UK government has announced a £37 billion energy support package.
What recent assessment has been made of the potential long-term effects of cold weather over the winter on the health of (a) children and (b) pensioners?
Pensioners and children are particularly vulnerable to cold weather, which is why we are spending £37 billion on our energy support package. A typical household will save a third—£700—of what they would have paid this winter. The 8 million most-vulnerable households will get £1,200 in support this year to help with the cost of living.
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Assessment & feedback
The long-term effects and health impacts on children and pensioners were not specifically assessed or addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Sir Michael Marmot's statement warns about the humanitarian crisis due to high energy bills. The government recently adjusted its energy price guarantee policy.
Does the Minister think that average household bills being £4,000-plus a year is acceptable? Will he urge his colleagues to do much more?
We are investing £12 billion in Help to Heat schemes, another £1.1 billion in the home upgrade grant, and £500 million in the sustainable warmth competition. We take this issue very seriously, and colleagues at DLUHC are taking further actions to clamp down on squalid housing.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not directly address the acceptability of current household bills or urge his colleagues for more action.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to expand GP services to handle increased demand during winter. The government promised improvements last October.
Can the Minister update on progress in implementing the improvements promised to help GPs expand to meet demand over the winter?
We have invested £1.5 billion for an extra 50 million GP appointments per year. The number of appointments in September was up 7% compared with the same month in 2019. We now have an extra 2,300 doctors and 19,300 primary care professionals.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The former Health Secretary planned to abandon the long-promised health disparities White Paper. The current Minister's intentions are questioned.
Does the current Minister intend to ditch the Government's health disparities White Paper? If so, how will he address health inequalities after 12 Tory years?
We are working hard to clamp down on squalid housing. We are spending £37 billion to help people meet living costs, with £15 billion targeting the poorest households and £12 billion investing in heating homes.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address whether he intends to abandon the White Paper or how health inequalities will be addressed.
Changed Subject To Housing Issues
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The NHS Confederation expressed concerns about rising energy costs and their effects on health and services. People are making choices between heating and eating, leading to potential health issues.
What action are Ministers taking with colleagues in Cabinet to avoid a public health catastrophe?
We are providing direct support for households and helping devolved Administrations. The Scottish Government, for example, receive £126 per person compared to UK spending in England and Wales, enabling them to provide extra help for those in need.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not specify specific actions taken by ministers or the Cabinet to prevent a public health crisis.
Response accuracy