Oral Answers to Questions

Kevin Hollinrake Excerpts

Tuesday 23rd February 2021 Commons Chamber

[Nadhim Zahawi]

We are working very closely with the Welsh Government and the other devolved Administrations to ensure that vaccines are allocated as per the Barnett formula. The Secretary of State has quite rightly reassured all the devolved Administrations that they will receive the vaccines to be able to deliver on the targets that we have set. It is great to see that over 860,000 people have received their first dose in Wales. The pace of our vaccination programme means that we have administered more vaccines than any other European country.

[Kevin Hollinrake (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to increase funding for adult social care.

[The Minister for Care (Helen Whately)]

During the pandemic, the Government have provided over £1.1 billion for infection control, £149 million for rapid testing costs and £120 million to boost the workforce in adult social care, and that is in addition to £4.6 billion to local authorities. For 2021-22, we are meeting our commitment to an annual uplift of £1 billion for social care and will provide councils with access to an additional £1 billion.

[Kevin Hollinrake [V]]

Does my hon. Friend agree that the best long-term funding solution for adult social care is a German-style social care premium?

[Helen Whately]

I agree that we need a sustainably funded social care system. I know that my hon. Friend is very well informed of the options. We are committed to taking forward social care reform, and will be publishing proposals later this year.