Secretary of State for Health and Social Care refuses to commit that there will not be cuts in frontline services
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care refuses to commit that there will not be cuts in frontline services
Today Adrian Ramsay, Co-Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales and MP for Waveney Valley, asked the government to reassure the House that concerning media reports in the last week—suggesting plans for £7 billion of cuts to services and for ICBs to be asked to cut costs by 50%—will not result in cuts to frontline services.
Adrian Ramsay MP said:
“We currently have a situation where patients are being treated in corridors, staff are severely overstretched, and too many people can't get access to a GP and dentist when they need one.
So it's in that context that I read with concern in the media in the last week plans for there to be £7 billion of cuts to services, for ICBs to be asked to cut costs by 50%. So can the Secretary of State give us reassurance that as we go into the new financial year, we won't see cuts to frontline services? When I meet with the Chief Executive of local ICB next week, will I hear that there are cuts to frontline services being considered as a result of government budgets?”
In response, the Secretary of State said:
“I think the reports relate to the deficits that have been sent into NHS England ahead of the 2025-26 financial year. These are completely unaffordable for the NHS and completely unrealistic. Those are the financial plans that are being revised as we speak, which is why leaders have been gathered in London today to receive that message and a set of instructions. I am asking frontline leaders to improve services and reform ways of working. They will have my support in doing that.”
Speaking after his intervention, Adrian Ramsay said:
“I am hugely concerned by the non-committal answer to my question. I know that many people are deeply worried about the prospect of cuts to frontline services when the NHS frontline is already severely overstretched. I again ask the Secretary of State to assure me, my constituents, and the country that there will be no cuts to frontline services next year. I look forward to his reply.”
