“Councils invest more than £600 million a year in sexual health services, but rising demand is continuing to push some councils’ sexual health services to capacity. It is therefore essential that the strategy is fully funded."
Responding to the Government’s sexual and reproductive health strategy, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“We are pleased that the Government has accepted our calls for a sexual and reproductive health strategy.
“It is important that the strategy is owned by all stakeholders who have a responsibility to make it successful
“The recent decision that sexual health services should remain the responsibility of local authorities was positive. The strategy now presents the opportunity to set out a clear framework for how the co-commissioning of sexual health services will work.
“Councils invest more than £600 million a year in sexual health services, but rising demand is continuing to push some councils’ sexual health services to capacity. It is therefore essential that the strategy is fully funded.
“We look forward to working with partners to ensure a new joined up strategy meets the needs of our communities.”
Notes to editors
- You can read the LGA’s report, including case studies, on sexual health commission in local government here.
- The LGA’s submission to the Health and Social Care Select Committee on our website.
- “The LGA provides sector-led improvement support to councils as part of its Care and Health Improvement programme. Sector-led improvement supports councils to improve services, including sexual health, by identifying and sharing good practice among councils. We work with all councils and provide general and specific help. It is a proven and cost-effective improvement programme.