During the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s statement on 18 June about NHS funding, Kevan made the case for better funding for public health.
Along with extra money for the NHS, what is also needed is a comprehensive health strategy that addresses many of the health inequalities faced by people today.
Questioning the Health Secretary, Kevan said:
“I welcome any new money for the NHS, but does the Secretary of State agree that prevention is better than cure? Durham County Council has had its public health budget cut every single year for the last eight years. Can he tell me how much of this new money will be going to public health, or is he now going to have another fight with the Treasury to get it to release more money for public health?”
However, the Health Secretary confirmed that none would be made a available to local authorities like County Durham, which deliver public health services.
Prevention is better than cure and yet local authorities such as @DurhamCouncil have had their public health budgets cut every year by this Government. I support extra money for the NHS, but what is also needed is a comprehensive health strategy. pic.twitter.com/ZbtDvg3bCo
— Kevan Jones MP (@KevanJonesMP) June 19, 2018