Health: Economic Inactivity

Lord Bishop of Gloucester Excerpts

Thursday 18th May 2023 Lords Chamber

[Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)]

New investment in the Spring Budget broadens access to additional work-coach support for disabled people and those with health conditions, it introduces a new supported employment programme and it focuses on providing faster access to joined-up work and health support, including for mental health and musculoskeletal conditions—the two leading causes of economic inactivity due to long-term sickness. But the noble Baroness raises an important point: the Covid period exacerbated all of this, and the system is under pressure. As I said in my earlier answer, the best way to do it is to take each patient on a case-by-case basis to ensure that there is help and support into work. Jobcentre Plus is doing an amazing job on that, working with the health service.

[The Lord Bishop of Gloucester]

My Lords, we know that food insecurity is associated with poor health outcomes. Professor Greta Defeyter found that, for every £1 invested in the holiday activity and food programme, there is a wider economic benefit of £11. Can the Minister confirm whether funding is available to extend that programme beyond next year?

[Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)]

I apologise to the right reverend Prelate, but I am afraid I do not have that information to hand, so I will write to her with an answer.