Oral Answers to Questions

Josh Fenton-Glynn Excerpts

Tuesday 22nd July 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

The question is on Long Crendon, so we will see how Josh Fenton-Glynn does.

[Josh Fenton-Glynn (Calder Valley) (Lab)]

Before I start, I pay tribute to the shadow Secretary of State, the right hon. Member for Melton and Syston (Edward Argar), who faces his last set of Health questions. He is an incredibly kind man—we spoke after the loss of my brother—and a fantastic shadow Secretary of State. I am not sure how they will replace him.

One of the key shifts we need to see in the 10-year plan is from hospital to the community. Key to keeping people out of hospital is tackling the dental deserts, with dental problems being the biggest cause of children aged five to nine going to A&E. Will the Minister assure me that the new neighbourhood health centres will include dentistry—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. That is not linked to the question. That is why I was really bothered when I called the hon. Gentleman.

--- Later in debate ---

[Wes Streeting]

Yes, and that is why we are reforming the better care fund.

[Josh Fenton-Glynn (Calder Valley) (Lab)]

Key to the shift to prevention is making sure that people can stay in their own homes or get home from hospital. The Health and Social Care Committee found that such provision costs the NHS £1.9 billion every year. Can the Secretary of State update me on what we are doing to get the social care system working?

[Wes Streeting]

Thanks to the decision that the Chancellor has taken, spending power in social care is rising—not just through Department funding but in the spending power of local authorities. My hon. Friend is absolutely right: we have to get the right care in the right place at the right time. That often means better care for patients and better value for taxpayers.