Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cold Weather: Long-term Health Effects

Tuesday 1 November 2022 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister stated that the government is spending 37 billion on an energy support package to help households with winter costs.
  • Government is investing 12 billion in Help to Heat schemes and additional funds in other support initiatives to address high energy bills.
  • Minister reported that there is an extra 2,300 doctors and 19,300 primary care professionals to help meet increased demand during winter.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Drew Hendry SNP
NHS Environment
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The long-term effects and health impacts on children and pensioners were not specifically assessed or addressed.

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Q2 Drew Hendry SNP
Energy
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not directly address the acceptability of current household bills or urge his colleagues for more action.

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Q3 Theresa Villiers Con
NHS
Context

The question arises from the need to expand GP services to handle increased demand during winter. The government promised improvements last October.

Question

Can the Minister update on progress in implementing the improvements promised to help GPs expand to meet demand over the winter?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

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.

Answered
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Q4 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
NHS Economy Housing
Context

The former Health Secretary planned to abandon the long-promised health disparities White Paper. The current Minister's intentions are questioned.

Question

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?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

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.

Not addressed: The Minister did not address whether he intends to abandon the White Paper or how health inequalities will be addressed.

How: Changed Subject To Housing Issues

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Q5 Martyn Day SNP
NHS Energy
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.

Question

What action are Ministers taking with colleagues in Cabinet to avoid a public health catastrophe?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not specify specific actions taken by ministers or the Cabinet to prevent a public health crisis.

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