Adrian Ramsay MP Welcomes Minister’s Commitment to Direct NHS Dentistry Funding Where It Is Most Needed

Adrian Ramsay MP, Member of Parliament for Waveney Valley, has questioned the Minister of State for Care on whether the extra funding allocated to the Department will be reflected in increased funding for NHS dentistry. The question - asked last month before Parliament went into recess - secured a commitment to focusing more NHS dentistry funding in under-served areas like Waveney Valley.

Adrian Ramsay asked:

“Data published last week shows that despite the Government’s initial action, the proportion of dentists working in the NHS in Norfolk and Waveney continues to drop. I am pleased to hear about the Government’s work on the dental contract, but the Public Accounts Committee is clear that this will work only if it is backed by sustainable funding. I will give the Minister another chance to answer the question: will the Government ensure that the extra funding that has been put into the Department is actually reflected in extra funding for NHS dentistry?”

In response Stephen Kinnock MP the Minister of State for Care said

 “One thing that I made clear to officials when I came into this post was that every penny that is allocated to NHS dentistry must be spent on NHS dentistry. We are in a crazy situation where demand for NHS dentistry is going through the roof, yet we have had underspends. That needs to stop. We will focus the spending on where it is most needed, including areas that are under-served, such as the hon. Gentleman’s constituency.”

Reacting to the reply Adrian Ramsay MP said 

"I am glad that the Government has acknowledged the ridiculous situation where the demand for NHS dentistry is increasing while funding remains unspent and so many people just can’t get access to a dentist. I welcome the Minister’s commitment to ensuring that resources are directed to where they are most needed. In the upcoming parliamentary term, I will hold the Minister accountable to this commitment and will continue to advocate for improved access to NHS dentistry for people in East Anglia and across the country.” 

ENDS