Oral Answers to Questions

Grahame Morris Excerpts

Tuesday 22nd November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North East) (Lab)]

9. What plans he has to allocate resources to local authorities when they assume responsibility for public health.

[Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab)]

10. What steps he plans to take to ensure that the allocation of public health funding reduces health inequalities.

--- Later in debate ---

[Anne Milton]

The hon. Gentleman is right to draw attention to the excellent work that has been done despite the fact that public health budgets have not previously been ring-fenced. Indeed, what we have seen previously is PCTs raiding public health budgets for service provision, which is one reason why inequalities in health have got worse. It is extremely important that we transfer expertise, and employment law will ensure that all the transition is managed smoothly.

[Grahame M. Morris]

We are having problems getting reports published by the Department of Health. Will the Minister tell us about the public health outcomes framework by which we will measure progress in tackling and reducing health inequalities? What does the fact that the framework still has not been published say about the Government’s commitment to reducing health inequalities?

[Anne Milton]

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman would not want us to rush this. It is extremely important that for the first time we will have a public health outcomes framework. There was no such framework under the previous Government, so it is important that we get it right. It will be an important signal to local authorities about what we expect them to achieve—with, as I have said, a focus on improving the health of the poorest fastest.