Commenting on the announcement of the public health settlement
for local authorities for the year 2022/23, Cllr David
Fothergill, 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 supporting people to keep healthy and well.
“The publication of next year’s 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 significant
rising demand.
“However, no real-terms increase in public health funding is
disappointing. This will cause challenges for councils going
forward and runs contrary to our shared ambition with government
to address the stark health inequalities exposed by COVID-19.
Councils now also need urgent clarity on whether much needed
outbreak management funding, which has helped councils reduce the
spread of coronavirus, will be extended beyond March.
“The announcement today provides immediate certainty, but we need
a clear long-term plan on the future which recognises the public
health challenges we face as a country, addresses the current and
future pressures on the public health workforce and recognises
the interconnectedness with other parts of the health and care
system.”
