Written questions by Foy.

What steps he his taking to ensure the adequacy of primary care provision for pensioners in (a) City of Durham constituency and (b) County Durham in winter 2024-25.

The Government cares about pensioners and access to primary care services. We know that patients nationally and in Durham are struggling to access their general practitioner (GP), and that this can be worsened throughout the winter period when demand is higher. We have committed to restoring the front door of the National Health Service by shifting the focus of the NHS out of hospitals and into the community. We know when patients aren’t able to get a GP appointment, they end up in accident and emergency, which is worse for the patient, more expensive for the taxpayer, and creates additional winter pressures.Durham sits within the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), where the percentage of appointments delivered within two weeks of booking is 1.7% lower than the national average. To address this, we will increase the proportion of funding for primary care, starting with a commitment to recruit over 1,000 newly qualified GPs through an £82 million boost to the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme. This will increase the number of appointments delivered in GPs, secure the future pipeline of GPs, and take pressure off those currently working in the system.The Government will trial new neighbourhood health centres to bring community health services together under one roof. We will also bring back the family doctor, by incentivising GPs to see the same patient, so ongoing or complex conditions are dealt with effectively. In doing so, we will improve continuity of care, which is associated with better health outcomes and fewer accident and emergency attendances.

If he will make it his policy to create a national allergy tsar within the NHS.

The Government recognises the challenges in allergy care and the need to address the rapid and continuing rise of allergies.The Department’s officials continue to discuss with NHS England and other Government departments and agencies, as well as patient groups, how best to improve care and support for people with allergies, including their health outcomes and quality of life. We will be considering calls for the Government to appoint a national allergy lead this autumn.

What steps her Department is taking to improve road safety in County Durham.

Local authorities are responsible for the management of local roads, within the rules set by Government. It is for the local council to decide what measures may be appropriate in their local areas. The Safer Roads Fund is an innovative, non-competitive programme that provides funding for the most high risk rural ‘A’ roads in England. To date 99 roads have been funded amounting to £185.8 million - including £2.94 million this year for the A690 in County Durham. These 99 schemes can include designing new junctions and roundabouts, improving signage and road markings, landscape management, road resurfacing, improved crossings, and cycle lanes. The Safer Roads Fund schemes are estimated to save approximately 2,600 lives and serious injuries throughout their 20-year economic life, as well as reducing congestion, improving journey times, and lowering emissions. The safety of our roads is an absolute priority for this Government and will support our health mission. We are committed to delivering a new Road Safety Strategy – the first in over a decade. We will set out next steps on this in due course.

What plans has he to support pensioners with the cost of energy in (a) City of Durham and (b) County Durham.

The Government is committed to supporting all consumers, including pensioners in the City of Durham and County Durham. We believe that the only way to protect billpayers permanently and to guarantee our energy security is to speed up our transition away from volatile, foreign, fossil fuel markets towards clean homegrown energy. In the short-term, we are continuing to deliver the Warm Home Discount which provides a £150 rebate off energy bills to eligible low-income households. In August, I met with energy suppliers to discuss additional support they can provide this winter and we are working together to ensure vulnerable consumers, including pensioners, are supported this winter.

If she will have discussions with local authorities on ensuring that older people living in poverty in County Durham receive financial support for which they are eligible.

The State Pension is the foundation of income in retirement. Immediate support for pensioners includes our commitment to the Triple Lock, with over 12 million pensioners set to benefit through the course of this parliament, with the full yearly rate of the new State Pensions forecast to increase by around £1700. Pension Credit provides financial support to pensioners on a low income. We know there are low-income pensioners who aren’t claiming Pension Credit, and we urge those people to apply. This will passport them to receive a Winter Fuel Payment alongside other benefits – hundreds of pounds that could really help them. We will ensure that the poorest pensioners get the support they need. The Secretary of State and Deputy Prime Minister wrote to all Local Authorities in late August, asking them to redouble their efforts to reach those pensioners who could benefit from Pension Credit. We will be working closely with charities and Local Authorities to encourage pensioners to check their eligibility and apply.

What steps she is taking to improve safety for (a) cyclists and (b) pedestrians in County Durham.

Between 2020/21 to 2023/24, almost £4,000,000 of capital funding has been invested in County Durham for new and improved schemes to improve safety and boost walking, wheeling and cycling, including on the National Cycle Network. In addition, the North East Combined Authority has been awarded over £5,600,000 of revenue funding since 2021/22. Active Travel England has been working closely with the North East Combined Authority and its constituent local authorities to boost officer capability to design schemes that improve safety of cyclists and pedestrians. Durham also receives support through national training and engagement programmes that improve safety, including Bikeability cycle training, Walk to School Outreach and Big Bike Revival.