Steve Darling MP Budget response: I will hold the government’s “feet to the fire” on Hospital funding for Torbay

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, Steve Darling has said the extra funding for the NHS announced in the Budget must deliver improved health services for local people, including through extra GP and NHS dentist appointments. And in particular, for the £350 million Torbay Hospital upgrade funds previously pledged. 

On Health 

Steve said he will “hold the government’s feet to the fire” on delivering on their promises on the NHS. He added that fixing social care will be crucial to take pressure off local health services and give older people and those with disabilities the care they need.

Steve added: 

“Whilst I am pleased that this budget includes additional funding for our NHS, it will count for little if the badly-needed funds for Torbay Hospital are not released.” 

“I have already been lobbying the Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP incredibly hard on this issue. And I am going to continue to do so - especially now we know this extra money has been made available to him.”

On Social Care 

“And whilst this budget includes real action on health spending, the government has repeated the Conservatives' mistake of neglecting social care - an issue that is absolutely massive in Torbay. 

“We urgently need cross-party talks to tackle this crisis so older people stranded in hospital beds can finally get the care and dignity they deserve.

“I am also very concerned about the impact of the government’s increase to Employer’s National Insurance, which is a tax on jobs that will hit our small businesses and high streets. The government should instead be raising the money we need by reversing tax cuts for the big banks and asking the social media giants to pay a bit more.”

The budget confirmed that the government is pressing on with cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance.

Steve said: “It is incredibly disappointing to see this new government push ahead with cuts to the winter fuel allowance which will badly impact as many as 21,000 pensioners in Torbay. 

“This is a bitter blow for the many pensioners in Torbay who will now be left choosing between heating and eating this winter.

“I will continue to fight tooth and nail against these cuts that will harm people already struggling with the cost of living crisis.” 

The budget also includes a rise in the bus fare cap from £2 to £3.

Steve said: “Hiking bus fares to £3 is an unfair bus tax on people in Torbay.

“I know many people in communities like ours rely on buses to travel to work and go about their everyday lives. This is simply the wrong choice. If the government was serious about investing in the economy and tackling the cost of living crisis they would think again.”