WIREDGOV

Responding to the Government’s Public Health White Paper, Cllr David Rogers, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
 
“Public health has been the core business of local government since its foundation. Many councils already put a lot of effort, resources and imagination into improving the health and happiness of their communities.

“We believe public health should be at the heart of all we do, so the Government’s decision to give town halls a wider role presents us with a great opportunity to build on the good work which already exists across the country.

“This white paper states it is time to free up local government and local communities to decide how best to improve the health and wellbeing of their citizens, but it doesn’t go far enough and leaves many questions unanswered. Behind the language of greater freedom lies a swing to central control which risks hampering town hall efforts to boost health.  

“With Public Health England employing the majority of the public health workforce, how can we make sure local and national needs work hand in hand? How can we answer to Government when the people leading on public health don’t answer to us? Public Health Directors must be accountable to councils.

“Whitehall has rightly recognised councils need more money to perform these extra public health duties. Not only should we make sure they're given enough to do the job, they also need the financial freedom to effectively take on the challenges of improving their residents’ health. How the public health ring-fence will work must be made clear.

“We need a clear, local approach with councils in the driving seat. They know best the issues in their community and what needs to be done to tackle them.” 

See the LG Group briefing

• Public health white paper - LG Group briefing