Context
The MP raised concerns about outdated Treasury rules affecting the availability of city-centre GP premises, citing a previous parliamentary question from June 2023. Integrated care boards and GPs are reporting that these rules are hindering access to necessary primary care facilities.
Question
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of guidance issued by District Valuer Services on the availability of city-centre GP premises? The Secretary of State and his Ministers will know that I first raised this issue in the Chamber on 6 June. Integrated care boards, GPs, and now the medical property sector are all telling me that the Treasury rules are out of date and are a massive block to securing much-needed primary care premises in the right places, particularly in city centres such as St Albans.
Answer from Neil O'Brien
We talk all the time. There are 60% more full-time patient-facing staff in St Albans than there were in 2019, putting pressure on premises. The capital allocation for her local ICB between 2022-23 and 2024-25 was £200 million, but the Minister is happy to continue the conversation about how to get the premises where they are needed.
Not addressed: The question specifically asked when the Minister will speak to colleagues in the Treasury, which was not directly answered. Instead, he mentioned ongoing conversations without a specific timeline or commitment.
How: We Talk All The Time
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