Health cuts a false economy - Meacher

CUTTING public health budgets will cost the NHS significantly more than it claims it will save, Oldham MP Michael Meacher says.

The Oldham West and Royton MP said the £200 million cut in public health spending this year is “nonsensical”, and accused government of covering up NHS cuts by handing so called “public health” budgets to councils.

He said: “Already over-stretched services will be hit hard. The cuts will leave obesity and smoking prevention services struggling to cope with demand. It is obvious to everyone but the Tories how these cuts will lead to further problems for the NHS. It will also impact significantly on already stretched contraceptive services.

“We have higher than average levels of teenage pregnancies in Oldham and this decision is utterly stupid. Public health is extremely important.”

Mr Meacher wants government to re-think the cuts, given increasing obesity levels, numbers of children smoking at a young age and a rise in alcohol-related problems.