Release Secret Health Plans, Demands MP

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has demanded that secret plans to save £805million from local health services by 2021 are released.

The Government have insisted the plans are created behind closed doors, but last week three local authorities - including Lib Dem-run Sutton in London - broke ranks and published the plans for their areas.

All three authorities were concerned about the lack of public engagement in drawing up the plans so far, and called for greater transparency. The plans sit in direct contradiction to recent statements by the Government - criticised by a leading Conservative MP - that they are allocating extra cash to the NHS in England.

Tim has written to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt today demanding the plans for Lancashire and South Cumbria are also released.

Speaking this morning, Tim said: "It beggars belief that plans for the very future of health care here in South Lakeland are being drawn up in smoke filled rooms with little in the way of public engagement. £805million is a massive amount of money to have to find at the very time when pressure is building on our local health services.

"Done well, these plans could secure the future of local services - including those at Westmorland General. Done badly, they could see a decimation in services - with local residents having to travel to Preston, Blackpool or even further afield for vital treatment."