Oral Answers to Questions

Alex Norris Excerpts

Tuesday 28th January 2020 Commons Chamber

[The Minister for Care (Caroline Dinenage)]

We are very committed to hospice services, which is why an additional £25 million went into hospices last year. I am certainly happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the hospices in his area.

[Alex Norris (Nottingham North) (Lab/Co-op)]

Cuts to local government budgets have led to cuts to public health budgets, which have led to cuts to preventive services, which have led to greater demand in A&E and social care. It is bad for individuals, and it is terrible for the health and social care system, yet this weekend, we saw media reports that there are more cuts coming to local government, especially in the poorest communities. Can the Secretary of State assure us that he will tell colleagues in the Treasury and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government that those cuts cannot take place?

[Matt Hancock]

I do not need to, because we are clear that there is an increase in the spending power of local authorities and in the public health grant.