Thank you to those who contacted me about supporting nursing staff in Worcestershire.
I completely agree that medical staff and healthcare workers across the board deserve recognition for the tireless dedication they have shown in this health crisis.
I was pleased that in the recent Spending Review, the Chancellor set out that - taking account of the pay review bodies advice - we are providing a pay rise to over 1 million nurses, doctors and others working in the NHS. Targeting our resources to those who need it most, the Chancellor set out plans to guarantee a pay rise of at least £250 for the 2.1 million public sector workers who earn below the median UK wage of £24,000, protecting the lowest-paid. Taken together, the majority of public sector workers will see an increase in pay next year.
This comes with our commitment to the historic long-term settlement for the NHS which provides a cash increase of £33.9 billion a year by 2023-24. This takes the NHS England budget from £114.6 billion in 2018-19 to £148.5 billion in 2023-24, with an increase of £6.3 billion in 2021-22. It is also confirming its commitment to deliver 50,000 more nurses and to create an additional 50 million appointments in general practice a year.
I do hope this reassures you that we are and will continue to support our nurses, doctors and health workers.
Thanks again to everyone who bought this to my attention.