Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Inflation: Public Health and Wellbeing

Tuesday 5 September 2023 · 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

  • Government discusses health budgets frequently, with the public health grant increasing to 3.575 billion for the next financial year.
  • Kettering General Hospital remains a priority, with plans to standardise hospital designs for 40 new hospitals to reduce costs and increase delivery efficiency.
  • The Chancellor has brought forward interventions to help people return to work, and the Government have confirmed 22.6 billion additional NHS funding over this Parliament.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mary Foy Lab City of Durham
NHS Economy Mental Health
Context

High inflation levels are causing financial hardships for individuals, affecting their physical and mental health.

Question

What recent discussions has the government had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care regarding the impact of inflation on public health and wellbeing? Inflation makes it difficult to afford essentials like food, heating, and rent, leading to delayed diagnosis, malnutrition, and severe mental health issues. The prevention approach is being undermined by austerity measures.

Answer from John Glen

The government discusses health budgets frequently. The public health grant will increase to £3.575 billion for the next financial year, providing real-term funding protection over two years. Additional staff are being provided through the long-term workforce plan for the NHS. Post-COVID challenges are recognised and efforts continue to reduce waiting lists.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific figure or commitment regarding inflation impact on health budgets in the next financial year.

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Q2 Mary Foy Lab City of Durham
NHS
Context

The redevelopment of Kettering General Hospital is a key aspect for improving public health and wellbeing in the area.

Question

Can the Treasury confirm that the £400 million plus redevelopment of Kettering General Hospital remains on track to be completed by 2030? Will standardising hospital designs help reduce costs and increase delivery efficiency?

Answer from John Glen

Kettering General Hospital is a priority, but ensuring expenditure efficiency in health estate investment is critical. The standardisation of hospital designs for 40 new hospitals will help achieve this goal.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm the timeline and cost-saving measures specifically for Kettering General Hospital's redevelopment.

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Q3 Philip Hollobone Con
NHS Economy
Context

Discussions on inflation have an impact on health budgets and services.

Question

What figure did the Minister discuss with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care regarding inflation estimates for the next financial year?

Answer from John Glen

Various forecasts exist, but specific figures are not available to provide today. We prioritise reprioritising effectively and delivering frontline services.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific inflation figure for the next financial year.

How: There Are A Range Of Forecasts

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Q4 Derek Twigg Lab Widnes and Halewood
NHS Mental Health
Context

Stoke-on-Trent North faces significant mental health barriers impacting economic growth.

Question

What support will the Treasury give to help enact plans for specialist mental health nurses to be placed in GP surgeries using existing health and social care funding?

Answer from John Glen

The Chancellor has brought forward interventions to help people return to work. We look forward to working with Jonathan Gullis on solutions for his community, recognising the constructive suggestions he often provides.

Not addressed: Did not address specific support from Treasury for placing mental health specialists in GP surgeries.

How: We Look Forward To Continuing To Work With My Hon. Friend On Solutions

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Q5 Jonathan Gullis
NHS
Context

The NHS faces significant financial challenges and staff shortages.

Question

How much additional funding will be provided to the NHS over this Parliament? When will 15,000 more medical students training places be committed?

Answer from John Glen

The Government have confirmed £22.6 billion additional NHS funding over this Parliament, increasing annually at 3.8%. This includes capital investment. Training places for 15,000 more medical students are part of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan by 2028.

Answered
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