Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Primary Care in Epping Forest: House Building Targets

Tuesday 13 January 2026 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Primary care access in Chigwell parish requires constituents to travel to another constituency for GP services.
  • The Health Secretary emphasized the government's commitment to improving access to primary care through their manifesto pledge.
  • The Minister acknowledged the pressure on pharmacy services in England, noting it as a significant challenge.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
NHS
Context

Concerns raised by Dr Hudson regarding lack of GP surgery in Chigwell parish and the impact of government's housing targets on primary care infrastructure.

Question

As my constituency neighbour, the Health Secretary will be aware that Chigwell parish has no GP surgery of its own, requiring many of my constituents to travel to his constituency to access primary care. Given the Government’s top-down housing targets, what assurances can the Health Secretary provide that any new developments in Epping Forest will be accompanied by the delivery of adequate primary care infrastructure, rather than placing further pressure on already overstretched services? Will the Government support the long-standing call, championed by me, local Conservative councillors and Chigwell parish council, for the provision of a GP surgery within Chigwell parish?

Answer from The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)

I am not familiar with the details of that case, but I get the impression that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is. A really important part of our manifesto commitment was to end the 8 am scramble, which is all about access, and that is precisely what we are doing. In September 2024, patient satisfaction with ease of access stood at just 61%; today it stands at 73%. That is huge progress. It is all about getting better access, and building a primary care estate that is fit for purpose is a very important part of that. I would be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss the details of that specific case.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide assurances regarding new developments in Epping Forest or support for establishing a GP surgery in Chigwell parish, instead focusing on general progress with access to primary care services.

How: Would Be Happy To Meet The Hon. Gentleman

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
NHS
Context

Concerns raised by Dr Evans about community pharmacies closing due to financial pressures, highlighting the need for better support from the government.

Question

Using NHS Organisation Data Service data, can the Minister tell the House how many pharmacy contracts ceased in England last year?

Answer from The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question and congratulate him on the addition of the facial hair. I am glad to see that he is joining that particular club—I think it is the only club we may both be a member of! The Government are aware of the pressure on pharmacy; it is a major challenge that we are facing. We gave pharmacy a 19% uplift in the last spending review. Of all the sectors in my portfolio, that was the one that received the largest uplift. We are also looking to secure better progress with the use of technology, and we are looking at the medicines margin and the dispensing fee, recognising the significant financial pressures that pharmacies are under. Through reform and investment, we believe that we can turn the corner and rebuild pharmacy in our country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific data on the number of contract terminations but highlighted efforts to support pharmacies through funding increases and technological advancements.

How: Congratulating Dr Evans On His Facial Hair, Highlighting 19% Uplift In Pharmacy Funding

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email