North Devon MP calls for hospital funding protection after Chancellor's statement

The Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon has called for North Devon District Hospital to be protected following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’  statement to the House of Commons on the dire financial situation facing the country.

In her statement, the Chancellor indicated that a number of infrastructure projects might be cut to balance the books following years of Conservative economic mismanagement. 

She announced a review into the funding of plans to deliver 40 new hospitals, raising concerns about the future of these projects. 

Local Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome insists that this review should not impact North Devon District Hospital.

Mr Roome emphasised that his constituents "cannot wait any longer" for the previously promised investment in North Devon District Hospital. 

He argued that without this funding, the people of North Devon would be forced to endure hospital buildings that are in urgent need of replacement. 

Mr Roome is keen to accept the Chancellor’s offer of a meeting with the Health Secretary to discuss the potential impact on affected constituencies.

In this upcoming meeting, Mr Roome said he plans to voice his and his constituents' concerns about any potential withdrawal of funding and the negative consequences it would have on local healthcare services.

Mr Roome said: “All the visits from various Ministers to North Devon, did not produce the infrastructure funds that we so desperately needed. From Levelling Up bids and now the New Hospital Programme.

“Sadly, it now appears the Conservative promise on new hospitals was not worth the paper it was written on. Even the National Audit Office said the project's funding was widely off track.

“My constituents have been crying out for a hospital that is fit for purpose, and this vital project must go ahead.

“That is why I look forward to taking up the Chancellor’s offer of a meeting with the Health Secretary where I can relay the concerns of the people of North Devon directly and to call on the government to protect funding for North Devon District Hospital.

“My constituents cannot wait any longer for this desperately needed investment in our area and for our local health services to get back on its feet after years of decline under the Conservatives.”

The urgency of this issue was underscored yesterday, July 29, when Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the decision to scrap winter fuel payments for around 10 million pensioners.

In an interview with the BBC, Ms Reeves explained that she had found a “black hole” in the public finances and “had to act” to “fix the mess.”

She accused the previous government and former chancellor, Jeremy Hunt of hiding a massive shortfall in public funds.