Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, for what reasons NHS England has refused to proceed with the proposed new health centre for Burntwood in Staffordshire; and if he will make a statement.

NHS England is responsible for deciding on the funding given to general practitioner (GP) practices to reimburse them for their premises costs.

We are advised that capital development schemes that had not been formally approved by former primary care trust boards by 1 October 2012 have been reviewed by NHS England. This includes the Burntwood Leisure Centre development. NHS England concluded, following assessment, that the scheme did not meet the requirements for prioritisation, and it was therefore not approved. These requirements include, but not exhaustively, service continuity, affordability and value for money.It was noted that the project had not received an unequivocally clear commitment from a number of the potential occupiers of the Centre.

We understand from NHS England that discussions are ongoing regarding alternative schemes to replace the Burntwood Leisure Centre development. NHS England continues to work with the GPs and other partners.

My hon. Friend may wish to approach the NHS England Shropshire and Staffordshire Area Team for further information.