Health and Social Care Rural Communities 2026-02-24
2026-02-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP notes the challenges in providing adequate health and social care services in rural communities, highlighting specific issues faced by Na h-Eileanan an Iar.
What steps has he taken to increase health and social care coverage in rural communities? In places like Na h-Eileanan an Iar, going the extra mile to provide care is part of the job. I pay tribute to the carers who travel miles in darkness and bad weather to deliver support for the elderly. However, there is not enough working-age population to provide this care, and immigration cannot solve that problem entirely. Does he agree that increasing wages and paying social care staff properly will increase the number of carers in rural areas?
I wholeheartedly agree with my hon. Friend. This Labour Government are introducing the first ever fair pay agreement for care workers, which is better pay and conditions for care workers, more people recruited into the profession, and backed by £500 million, with Scotland receiving extra funding through the Barnett formula.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the challenges in staffing rural social care, pointing out that immigration cannot solve the issue completely.
Does he agree that it is only by increasing wages and paying social care staff properly that we will increase the number of carers in rural areas?
I wholeheartedly agree with my hon. Friend. This Labour Government are introducing the first ever fair pay agreement for care workers, which is better pay and conditions for care workers, more people recruited into the profession, and backed by £500 million.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP visited Young Devon, an early support centre in rural North Devon, which faces challenges due to uncertain funding. The centre has received one-year funding extension.
Can the Secretary of State clarify what the longer-term plan is for these early support hubs and how he can help organisations like Young Devon thrive into the future?
I join the Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee in paying tribute to Young Devon. We are working closely with the Department for Education to better join up education, health provision, and support for young people. There is more to do regarding medium-term certainty on funding.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked specifically about a long-term plan and resources, but the answer provided acknowledges challenges without committing to specific actions or timelines beyond existing efforts.
More To Do
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes that patients in North Shropshire wait more than a month for GP appointments due to a shortage of GPs and lack of funding for integrated neighbourhood teams.
Will the Secretary of State act to ensure that GPs have the resources and guidance needed to develop those neighbourhood health teams, and ensure that everyone can access an appointment within seven days or 24 hours if it is urgent?
We are reviewing the Carr-Hill formula to direct funding to areas in greatest need, recognising pockets of disadvantage in rural communities. We aim to provide support and care where it is needed.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for specific actions regarding resources and guidance, but the answer provided focused on formula review without committing to direct actions or timelines.
Reviewing
Recognising
Response accuracy