Tim Farron challenges Health Secretary on cuts to the NHS in Cumbria

On the floor of the House of Commons this week, South Lakes MP Tim Farron has challenged the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, over funding cuts to the NHS in Cumbria.

It comes after Members of Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board were told they must contribute to a £142.7m savings plans for the next financial year (2025-2026).

Speaking during Health and Social Care Questions in Parliament on Tuesday, Tim said: “Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board is having to make savings of £142million this year, and the backdrop to that is a loss of wards at Barrow, Lancaster and Kendal. 

“We hear a lot about additional money for the NHS. Why is none of it coming to Cumbria?”

Responding, Wes Streeting said: “It is not the case that none of the money is going to Cumbria. We are taking action to deal with the persistent overrunning and over-spending of NHS budgets, which was an intolerable situation that we had to get a grip on. We are investing £26billion more in the NHS, and that will rise over the course of this Parliament. 

“We will make sure that every part of the country gets its fair share, not least through the deprivation-linked funding that I mentioned. I know that it is bumpy for ICBs as we get them back to balance, but believe me it will be worth it in the end when we have a sustainable NHS that is fit for the future.”