News

While it is good more people are getting tested for HIV, these figures show significant challenges remain in reducing HIV infections, despite the progress of recent years.

Council public health teams work hard to help reduce smoking rates and it is testament to their efforts that smoking rates continue to fall.

The LGA said that appropriate supported accommodation could have significant savings across the public sector, with supported accommodation shown to reduce the likelihood that residents will go into hospital or residential care and also reduces re-admission.

Councils need long-term certainty and sustainable funding to ensure that public health funerals can continue to be delivered to the high standard required.

Councils are working tirelessly to improve access to contraception and other sexual health services, including expanding online consultations, establishing dedicated women’s health hubs, and improving services for under-served communities.

To effectively reduce pressure on healthcare systems, improve health outcomes and tackle inequalities it is vital to involve local government in shaping the upcoming 10-year plan for health.

A plan to promote, protect, support and develop careers in social care, alongside better pay, terms and conditions, would both strengthen the wellbeing and recognition of those who work in this essential vocation, as well as benefit the people who draw on care.

The adult social care sector remains in a precarious position and despite councils’ best efforts to make progress on the issue, more than 400,000 people are still facing a wait to be assessed, for their care package to commence, or for a review of their care plan.

“Our Local Government White Paper calls for more support for unpaid carers and a renewed focus on prevention and it is crucial that whoever forms the next government should work to support them to continue their vital role."

New figures today reveal a rise in sexually transmitted infections, underlining the need for whoever forms the next government to launch a new 10-year sexual health strategy.