Peter Lamb MP, Labour Member of Parliament for Crawley has welcomed an increase in funding for public health services in Crawley as part of a £200 million national funding boost to the Public Health Grant – the biggest real-terms increase after nearly a decade of reduced spending under the Conservatives.

As part of Labour’s plans to improve health outcomes across the country and build healthier communities, local public health services will be given more money to deliver prevention programmes, tailored to their residents.

West Sussex will receive £40.8 million to help drive key health services from smoking cessation to addiction recovery and children’s health, and to help fund family and school nurses, sexual health clinics and other public services in the local area.

The Government is currently running a national conversation to help build a health service fit for the future and shape a new 10 Year Health Plan for England. The plan will set out how we can focus on preventing sickness, not just treating it, with the investment announced in line with this aim.

Peter lamb, Member of Parliament for Crawley said:

“After nearly a decade of cuts under the Tories, I am delighted that Labour are continuing to deliver on our promise to improve health outcomes across the country as part of our Plan for Change.

This funding will help drive key health services for our community in Crawley, prevent people from falling into ill health, and relieve pressure on the NHS.

Labour are working hard to deliver on our election promises, just last month The Government were able to announce we have already met our target of ensuring there are an extra 2.2 million NHS appointments early.

A Labour Government delivering for our community in Crawley.”

Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashely Dalton, said:

“Lord Darzi’s investigation into the NHS found that children are sicker today than a decade ago, and adults are falling into ill-health earlier in life.

Prevention is better than cure. If we can reach people earlier and help them stay healthy, this extra investment will pay for itself several times over in reduced demand on the NHS and by keeping people in work.

Whether it’s supporting people to quit smoking, giving children a healthy start to life, or providing addiction recovery services, this investment as part of the government’s Plan for Change will make a real difference in communities across the country.

After a decade of cuts to public health, this government is committed to shifting the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention, and we’re putting our money where our mouth is.”