Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of trends in the level of investment in rural VCSE infrastructure on inequalities in access to (a) GP, (b) mental health, (c) community and (d) other essential healthcare services in rural localities; and what steps he plans to take with local VCSE partners to reduce these inequalities.

The Department recognises the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector as a valuable partner in improving people’s health and wellbeing.

The Government is committed to resetting the relationship with civil society and to unlock its potential. We want civil society to be an equal, expert partner, integral to the delivery of the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan. The implementation of the Neighbourhood Health Service brings care closer to people’s homes and integrates services across the statutory and VCSE sectors.