Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What financial assistance is available to pay for glasses following a free eyesight test for asylum seekers.

The National Health Service is a residency-based system, which means that people who do not live here on a lawful, settled basis must contribute to the cost of their care. However, some of the most vulnerable people arriving in the United Kingdom, including refugees and asylum seekers, do not pay for NHS treatment.Asylum seekers who are receiving support from the Home Office under section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 will automatically receive a HC2 certificate for full help with health costs. From the data available it is not possible to determine the total number, or cost of, sight tests or optical vouchers provided to asylum seekers, as eligibility to NHS services and to free means-tested services is not based on immigration status. Immigration status is therefore not recorded when services are provided.Asylum seekers are entitled to free new glasses or contact lenses in the same way as other residents meeting the means-test criteria. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/The Home Office and its contractors work closely with the NHS, local authorities, and non-governmental organisations to ensure that people can access the health care and support they need.

What the cost to the public purse has been of dental support provided to asylum seekers since 5 July 2024.

Data is not held on the financial cost of dental support provided to asylum seekers or the number of National Health Service dental appointments provided to asylum seekers since 5 July 2024.The Government recognises that certain groups of patients, such as asylum seekers, may find it difficult to access dental care. We are committed to ensuring NHS dental services are available to all who need them.The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including NHS dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to the integrated care boards across England.

How many dental appointments have been provided to asylum seekers since 5 July 2024.

Data is not held on the financial cost of dental support provided to asylum seekers or the number of National Health Service dental appointments provided to asylum seekers since 5 July 2024.The Government recognises that certain groups of patients, such as asylum seekers, may find it difficult to access dental care. We are committed to ensuring NHS dental services are available to all who need them.The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including NHS dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to the integrated care boards across England.

How many free prescriptions for medicine have been given to asylum seekers since 5 July 2024.

The Department does not hold the information requested. Data is not held on the number of prescriptions dispensed in the community in England free of charge to asylum seekers.There is no automatic exemption from prescription charges for asylum seekers, however individuals may be entitled to exemption from charges for other reasons such as age or through application to the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS). If an individual who is an asylum seeker has a prescription that includes a charge exemption, it would be recorded in the system in the same way as any other prescription with that exemption.Asylum seekers who are supported by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), Section 95 support, who may be housed by UKVI or in accommodation prior to dispersal, are sent a HC2 certificate, valid for six months, for full help. Other asylum seekers may make an NHS LIS claim using the HC1 certificate form.

What the cost to the public purse has been of free prescriptions provided to asylum seekers since 5 July 2024.

The Department does not hold the information requested. Data is not held on the number of prescriptions dispensed in the community in England free of charge to asylum seekers.There is no automatic exemption from prescription charges for asylum seekers, however individuals may be entitled to exemption from charges for other reasons such as age or through application to the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS). If an individual who is an asylum seeker has a prescription that includes a charge exemption, it would be recorded in the system in the same way as any other prescription with that exemption.Asylum seekers who are supported by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), Section 95 support, who may be housed by UKVI or in accommodation prior to dispersal, are sent a HC2 certificate, valid for six months, for full help. Other asylum seekers may make an NHS LIS claim using the HC1 certificate form.

How many MAT B1 forms have been issued by doctors to female asylum seekers since 5 July 2024.

The Department does not hold this information.

How many patients were registered at each GP surgery in Huntingdon constituency in each of the last five years.

A table showing the number of patients that were registered at each general practice surgery in the Huntingdon constituency in each of the last five years is attached. This information can also be found at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/general-and-personal-medical-services/31-march-2025

What (a) the global sum payment funding allocation and (b) other Government funding is for each GP surgery in Huntingdon constituency.

The Department does not hold this information centrally for 2024/25. However, the attached table shows published data for the global sum payment allocation and other Government funding for each general practice surgery in Huntingdon constituency for 2022/23.This information is also available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-payments-to-general-practice/england-2022-23

What funding he provides to Magpas Air Ambulance.

The Department does not directly fund air ambulance services on a routine basis. Air ambulances in England operate as independent charities and are supported by the National Health Service through the provision and training of key clinical staff.

How many people each Integrated Care Board will cover following proposed local government reforms.

As set out in the English Devolution White Paper, the Government recognises the benefits that aligned geographical boundaries can have for improving co-ordination between public services. Within integrated care systems, collaboration between local government and health partners is crucial to the delivery of high quality and efficient services for communities and patients. On 5 February 2025, the Government formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area. As set out in the published statutory guidance, unitary structures must prioritise the delivery of high quality and sustainable public services to citizens, and the views of other public sector providers will be crucial to understanding the best way to structure local government. Following submission of proposals, we will consider these carefully before taking decisions on how to proceed.

What new NHS facilities are planned to be built within Huntingdon constituency.

The Government is committed to delivering a National Health Service that is fit for the future. This means we need to see world class NHS infrastructure across the entire NHS estate. Beyond hospitals, we know we need the right infrastructure in the right place to deliver a true Neighbourhood Health Service, to ensure that all patients receive the care they deserve.Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire is part of Wave 1 of the New Hospital Programme, with construction of the new hospital expected to commence in 2027/28.The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working towards a further four facilities in the constituency. In Alconbury Weald, the Glade health facility is due to be operational from late 2025. In addition, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB is currently working with local councils to support the delivery of the Alconbury Weald Hub Health Facility over the next five years, along with similar health infrastructure developments in both Wintringham and Great Staughton.There are 16 general practices in the Huntingdon constituency.

Whether Integrated Care Boards will be coterminous with unitary authority boundaries following the implementation of local government reforms.

As set out in the English Devolution White Paper, the Government recognises the benefits that aligned geographical boundaries can have for improving co-ordination between public services. Within integrated care systems, collaboration between local government and health partners is crucial to the delivery of high quality and efficient services for communities and patients. On 5 February 2025, the Government formally invited unitary proposals from all the councils in two tier areas and their neighbouring small unitaries. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area. As set out in the published statutory guidance, unitary structures must prioritise the delivery of high quality and sustainable public services to citizens, and the views of other public sector providers will be crucial to understanding the best way to structure local government. Following submission of proposals, we will consider these carefully before taking decisions on how to proceed.

What the per capita funding is for each integrated care board.

NHS England is responsible for funding allocations to integrated care boards (ICBs). This process is independent of the Government, and NHS England takes advice on the underlying formulae from the independent Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation. ICB allocations for 2025/26 were published on 30 January 2025, and include a breakdown of per capita funding for each ICB, with further information available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/allocations/

How many GP surgeries there are in Huntingdon constituency.

The Government is committed to delivering a National Health Service that is fit for the future. This means we need to see world class NHS infrastructure across the entire NHS estate. Beyond hospitals, we know we need the right infrastructure in the right place to deliver a true Neighbourhood Health Service, to ensure that all patients receive the care they deserve.Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire is part of Wave 1 of the New Hospital Programme, with construction of the new hospital expected to commence in 2027/28.The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working towards a further four facilities in the constituency. In Alconbury Weald, the Glade health facility is due to be operational from late 2025. In addition, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB is currently working with local councils to support the delivery of the Alconbury Weald Hub Health Facility over the next five years, along with similar health infrastructure developments in both Wintringham and Great Staughton.There are 16 general practices in the Huntingdon constituency.

In which order of priority will the hospitals in the New Hospital Programme be started.

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care set out a credible and deliverable plan and sequencing for the hospital schemes in the New Hospital Programme (NHP) on 20 January 2025, following the conclusion of the review of the NHP. The NHP Plan for Implementation was deposited into the House Library and published on GOV.UK website, and is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-hospital-programme-review-outcomeThe NHP will be delivered through waves of investment, each approximately over five years, with waves comprising of a group of hospital schemes that will commence main construction within that period, but which may be completed after the period. Due to the substantive safety risks of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), the seven schemes to replace hospitals built primarily from RAAC will continue to be prioritised and will proceed at pace. The waves will be delivered in the following order, and the schemes for each wave are listed in the NHP Plan for Implementation:Wave 0, comprising of seven schemes that are already in the advanced stages of development and will be completed within the next three years;Wave 1, comprising of 16 schemes which will begin construction between 2025 and 2030;Wave 2, comprising of nine schemes which will begin construction between 2030 and 2035; and,Wave 3, comprising of nine schemes which will begin construction after 2035.

By what date Integrated Care Boards will be expected to decarbonise in accordance with their Green Plans; and how this will be monitored.

Green plans set out the key actions each trust and integrated care board (ICB) will take to deliver emissions reductions and support resilience to climate impacts over three-year periods. This work supports the delivery of the National Health Service’s system targets of achieving Net Zero for directly controlled emissions by 2040, and for emissions that the NHS can influence by 2045.ICBs and trusts are required to report an annual summary of progress on the delivery of green plans to their board and to publish this in their annual report, including actions taken and planned, with quantitative progress data. In addition, NHS England estimates emissions and progress towards Net Zero on behalf of all NHS organisations in its Annual Report and Accounts.

What percentage of each individual GP practices' funding is made up of the Global Sum Payment in Huntingdon constituency.

The following table shows what percentage of each individual general practice’s National Health Service funding is made up of the Global Sum Payment for 2022/23, in the Huntingdon constituency:Practice codePractice nameGlobal sum as a percentage of total NHS paymentsD81004ALCONBURY SURGERY46.9%D81010PRIORY FIELDS SURGERY59.3%D81027WELLSIDE SURGERY55.6%D81030GROVE MEDICAL PRACTICE46.7%D81038KIMBOLTON MEDICAL CENTRE37.7%D81045BUCKDEN SURGERY47.1%D81049SPINNEY SURGERY51.1%D81050THE HICKS GROUP PRACTICE53.5%D81060MOAT HOUSE SURGERY48.9%D81081GREAT STAUGHTON SURGERY40.0%D81606RIVERPORT MEDICAL PRACTICE55.5%D81633ACORN SURGERY51.1%

By what date will NHS Trusts be expected to decarbonise in accordance with their Green Plans; and how this will be monitored.

Green plans set out the key actions each trust and integrated care board (ICB) will take to deliver emissions reductions and support resilience to climate impacts over three-year periods. This work supports the delivery of the National Health Service’s system targets of achieving Net Zero for directly controlled emissions by 2040, and for emissions that the NHS can influence by 2045.ICBs and trusts are required to report an annual summary of progress on the delivery of green plans to their board and to publish this in their annual report, including actions taken and planned, with quantitative progress data. In addition, NHS England estimates emissions and progress towards Net Zero on behalf of all NHS organisations in its Annual Report and Accounts.

Pursuant to the Answer of 2 April 2025 to Question 42329 on General Practitioners: Finance, what the average salary was within the earnings data used in the staff market forces factor element of the Carr-Hill formula for (a) Cambridgeshire and (b) nationally.

The Market Forces Factor used in the Carr-Hill formula is the difference in relative earnings due to geographical location alone, after removing the modelled impact on earnings differences across the country due to differences in the industry, occupation and age of employees. The value for Cambridgeshire after removing the impact of these factors is £15.94 per hour. A national figure was not produced as only the relative impact of geographical locations across the country is required for the Market Forces Factor. The research report did not include unadjusted earnings figures.

Pursuant to the Answer of 8 April 2025 to Question 43400, from what year is the national average death rate for each age group taken.

The death rates used by the Office for National Statistics to calculate the standardised mortality ratio for those aged under 65 years old are for the years 1996 to 2000 combined.