“Tackling our health inequalities, which have been so starkly exposed during the pandemic, will require significant long-term investment in the public health services which can improve people’s health and wellbeing and reduce future pressure on the NHS. "
Responding to the announcement of councils’ public health grant for 2021/22, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“Public health services run by councils have more than proven their worth through the pandemic, helping to reduce the spread of coronavirus while helping to keep people healthy and well, as part of the tremendous local response.
“The publication of this year’s ringfenced public health grant means that councils can now plan ahead for providing vital services such as tackling childhood obesity, treating substance misuse and recruiting more health visitors and school nurses, which have endured funding reductions in recent years amid rising demand.
“Tackling our health inequalities, which have been so starkly exposed during the pandemic, will require significant long-term investment in the public health services which can improve people’s health and wellbeing and reduce future pressure on the NHS.
“To achieve this, public health funding should match the growth in overall NHS funding to at least £3.9 billion by 2024/25.”