The Health Secretary announced a major overhaul in GP funding to divert £2 billion of wasteful NHS spending into working-class communities.

Under the upcoming NHS 10-year plan, disadvantaged communities are set to gain improved access to medicines and medical equipment, along with a greater portion of GP funding as part of wider reforms.

Jo Platt said: “This is brilliant news and it means that areas with greater need – like Leigh and Atherton – will get more support per patient. An additional £2.2 billion will be invested to level the playing field and give poorer neighbourhoods a fairer slice of NHS resources.

“This Government is taking action to tackle health inequalities and make sure everyone has access to quality care, no matter where they live.”