Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Kinnock and Debbie Abrahams

Tuesday 9th June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Kinnock]

Importantly, we have the £102 million utilisation and modernisation fund to enable more GP primary care estate. We have also committed to delivering 120 more neighbourhood health centres by the end of this Parliament, so I hope that the hon. Gentleman’s integrated care board has put in an expression of interest for that scheme. I am, of course, prepared to discuss that with him further.

[Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) (Lab)]

T9. There is overwhelming evidence that marketised health systems, as the NHS has become, increase health inequalities. Will the Health Secretary consider amendments to the Health Bill that will tackle the rising inequalities in existing health policies, including allowing local NHS organisations to determine if they need additional private sector capacity?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Kinnock and Debbie Abrahams

Tuesday 17th June 2025 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Kinnock]

The spending review has just been published. The key now is to secure the allocations within the overall financial envelope. That will take a matter of weeks, and I will be happy to report back to the hon. Member once we have that clarity.

[Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) (Lab)]

Between 2001 and 2011, the 15% health inequalities weighting in NHS allocations made a positive, measurable difference to the health of deprived people. Unfortunately, it was cut to 10% in 2015. With the spending review’s increase in funding to the NHS, when will the health inequalities weighting reach 15%?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Kinnock and Debbie Abrahams

Tuesday 11th February 2025 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Kinnock]

From the roundtable discussions, and from subsequent discussions we have been having with the sector, it is clear that we need to look at the long-term funding issue. We faced a cliff edge towards the end of last year. That is not the right way to do things. We must start getting the funding discussions moving so that, well in advance of the end of this financial year, the funding situation for the palliative and hospice sector is much clearer.

[Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) (Lab)]

8. What steps he is taking to reduce inequalities in healthcare.