Oral Answers to Questions

Chi Onwurah Excerpts

Tuesday 10th May 2016 Commons Chamber

[George Freeman]

My hon. Friend makes a really important and specific point. He is absolutely right, and that is one reason why we are committed to our seven-day NHS. It is improving—I can share the data with him—but he makes a good point, and that is one reason why we need to continue.

[Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab)]

8. What assessment he has made of the effect of changes to local authority social care budgets on demand for health services.

[The Minister for Community and Social Care (Alistair Burt)]

Good morning, Mr Speaker—[Interruption]—and everyone.

There is a link between adult social care funding and demand for NHS services. More recent analysis shows no definitive relationship, but Forder’s 2009 study showed a £1 reduction in social care spend increasing NHS demand by 35p. That is why Government have driven the integration of health and social care, and given councils up to £3.5 billion of new support by 2019-20.

[Chi Onwurah]

The Royal College of Surgeons has said that

“the new council tax precept will not raise enough funds for the areas of the country”

with the greatest need. In Newcastle, it will raise £1.7 million this year, but the funding gap is £15 million. Why is the Minister’s Government making my constituents pay more for worse social care, increasing the pressure on the NHS and causing misery for millions?