Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Williams and Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston

Monday 20th January 2014 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Williams]

The spending power in Sandwell is still significantly above that in many other local authorities. The spending power per head in Sandwell, where the hon. Gentleman’s West Bromwich West constituency lies, is £2,481, £900 more than in many districts in the south of England.

[Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab)]

21. Local authorities now also receive funding through the public health allocation. Has the Minister had any discussions with the Department of Health about cities such as Birmingham that have a disproportionately high young population, as they are disadvantaged by the fact that the funding formula has a higher weighting for those aged over 60 and 65? Are the Departments talking to each other to ensure that the young cities are not doubly hit?

[Stephen Williams]

I take the hon. Lady’s point, but the transfer of public health from the NHS to local government is a welcome reform by this Government that builds on what was done on public health in her own city by Joe Chamberlain back in the 19th century. It is a major opportunity for local government to address health inequalities, including in cities such as hers.