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 inequalities in health outcomes in Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency.

The Government is committed to reducing inequalities in health outcomes across the country, including in Harpenden and Berkhamsted, and to increasing the time people spend in good health.

We know everyday life poses greater health risks to the most disadvantaged in society, and that the current model of care works least well for those who already experience disadvantage and are far more likely to have complex needs. To help tackle this, we are reviewing the Carr-Hill formula so funding better reflects need.

We are acting on the wider causes of ill health through measures such as the Tobacco and Vapes Act, which will create the first smoke-free generation, and action to tackle childhood obesity, including restrictions on junk food advertising aimed at children on television and online.

We are also taking cross-Government action on the wider determinants of health, recognising that health outcomes are shaped by factors beyond healthcare alone. This includes measures such as Awaab’s Law, which will require landlords to address serious damp and mould hazards, and legislation for a new statutory health and health inequalities duty for strategic authorities.

Hertfordshire County Council delivers its statutory public health functions and wider health inequalities activity through a ring fenced Public Health Grant received annually from the Department. The Hertfordshire County Council Director of Public Health is responsible for the use of the grant in line with the grant conditions. For 2026/27 the value of the consolidated grant for Hertfordshire was £65 million.