Today's budget announcement re-confirms the Government's commitment to protecting the NHS by announcing a boost in NHS and health and social care funding in England over the next two years.

Recognising the severe pressure that the NHS is under, the NHS budget will be increased by £3.3billion in each of the next two years. Social care funding will be boosted by £2.8 billion next year, and £4.7 billion for the year after to free-up bed spaces and get patients out of hospital and into care. The increase in funding will allow the social care system to help deliver an estimated 200,000 more care packages over the next two years.

In addressing the workforce crisis in the NHS, the Chancellor has said that the Department of Health and Social care will undertake and publish an independent review into the long-term workforce plan.

I welcome the news that the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, has invited expertise from our Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System's Chair - Patricia Hewitt - to lead on NHS efficiency and making sure that new Integrated Care Boards - formerly CCGs - work properly across the country.

Against a backdrop of Putin's continuing war in Ukraine, energy and cost of living challenges, I am pleased to see that the Government has heard the calls for more funding and honoured its commitment to prioritise our vital public services with a strong budget for growth, which constituents in Norwich and across the country can all benefit.

You can read the Chancellor's full statement here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-autumn-statement-2022-speech