Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to reduce health inequalities in Cramlington and Killingworth constituency.

As part of our health mission, the Government is committed to ensuring that people live well for longer. This includes tackling the determinants that underpin stark health inequalities in order to halve the gap in healthy life expectancy between the richest and poorest regions.

The Northumberland and North Tyneside local authorities receive a Public Health Grant which funds services, such as stop smoking, drug and alcohol treatment, and sexual health, which contribute to addressing health inequalities. For 2024/25 the Northumberland local authorities received £18.4 million, while the North Tyneside local authorities received £13.6 million. Directors of Public Health from each authority are working in partnership with the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board to support action to address inequalities in health care.

Northumberland and Newcastle upon Tyne local authorities, within the Cramlington and Killingworth constituency, are two of the 75 local authorities receiving funding as part of the Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme. In addition, the North East Mayoral Combined Authority, formed on 7 May 2024, has committed to creating a fairer North East, reducing inequalities, and improving health. Its priorities include work to address the causes of health inequalities, such as bringing investment into the region to boost economic growth, improve available housing, education, inclusion, and skills.