11.01.13
Local public health services see £5.4bn ring-fenced
Funding for local public health services is to be ring-fenced for two years, the Department of Health has announced.
From April 2013, local authorities will take over responsibility for £5.45bn to help drive local efforts to improve health and wellbeing. The funding is specifically targeted at areas with the worst health outcomes.
In 2013/14, local authorities will receive just under £2.7bn, and in 2014/15 the amount will be £2.8bn. Every local authority will receive a real terms increase in funding, and the ring-fenced investment means they will afford them a clearer long-term understanding of future funding.
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “Too many people die too early from diseases that can be prevented. I want more people to be able to look forward to an independent and active old age and developing high quality public health services is essential to make this a reality.
“By putting local authorities in charge of public health, we are giving them the power, freedom and the funding to tackle the issues that blight their local areas and help improve the lives of their local communities. Improving the health of local people will be at the heart of everything they do – from social care to transport, housing, planning and environment.”
Chief executive designate of Public Health England, Duncan Selbie, said: “We welcome this investment and look forward to working alongside local government as they take on their new leadership responsibilities for health and wellbeing.”
Jo Webber, interim director of policy at the NHS Confederation said: “From April 2013 local authorities will play an even more crucial role in improving the health of their communities.
“It is really encouraging to see the Government asserting its commitment to improving health outcomes by providing an increase in the overall public health budget. This increased funding will help secure vital investment in improving people's health, allowing people to change unhealthy lifestyle choices, and help raise awareness about preventing ill health. As the NHS comes under increasing pressure to manage more demand while having to create significant savings, prevention is key.
“Having their budgets set for the next two years will enable local authorities to work with local NHS commissioners through health and wellbeing boards to develop a more robust plan about how best to improve the health of local populations.”
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