Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Health Inequalities

Tuesday 25 April 2023 · 6 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Chancellor's Budget announced additional funding to tackle health impediments to access to the labour market and smoking cessation programs.
  • Practical examples include lung cancer check vans that have improved early diagnosis rates in deprived areas.
  • Reforms to the dental contract have been started, introducing a minimum value for units of dental activity.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gavin Newlands SNP
Economy Benefits & Welfare
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about the impact of social security policies on life expectancy were not provided

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Q2 Rob Butler
NHS
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures addressing funding disparities were not detailed

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Q3 Gavin Newlands SNP
NHS Women & Equalities
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reasons for disparities were not provided

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Q4 Derek Thomas Con
NHS
Context

In Cornwall, many people are unable to access NHS dental care due to financial constraints and geographic factors.

Question

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?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps to address Cornwall's specific issues were not detailed

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Q5 Jon Trickett Lab Normanton and Hemsworth
Economy
Context

Women in West Yorkshire face significant health disparities compared to North Yorkshire, with a 10-year difference in life expectancy.

Question

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?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reasons for disparities were not provided

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Q6 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
NHS Economy
Context

Under the current government, health disparities have widened, with significant differences in life expectancy between Blackpool and Kensington.

Question

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?

Answer from Steve Barclay

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reasons for disparities were not provided

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