Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responds to the latest official suicides statistics, for 2018.
“Every suicide is a tragedy and it is worrying that we have seen some significant increases, particularly in the male suicide rate and among under-25s generally.
“Suicide prevention is a public health priority for local government and every council has a suicide prevention plan in place. Councils are already working closely with schools, railway operators, businesses, hospitals and the police to prevent suicide and help those affected by it.
“It is important that tomorrow’s Spending Round provides much-needed investment in council services, including public health. Government funding announced earlier this year to help further strengthen local action to reduce and prevent suicide is a clear endorsement of councils’ locally-driven approach and a recognition that by working together and supporting one another, we can reduce rates of suicide and save lives.”
Notes to editors