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Commenting on research undertaken by the London School of Economics (LSE)  and the Maternal Mental Health Alliance about increasing access to perinatal mental health care, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board said: “As this stark research highlights, perinatal mental health problems occur during the period from conception to the child’s second birthday. If untreated and unsupported, these mental health problems can continue to affect mothers, and their families for years afterwards. In the UK, one in five are affected by maternal

“Social care needs to be put on an equal footing with the NHS and government needs to address immediate pressures as part of funding gap facing social care, which is set to exceed £2 billion by 2020.”

Cllr David Fothergill responds to the Government’s decision to make vaccination a condition of deployment for anyone working in a CQC-registered care home in England for residents requiring nursing or personal care.

“Public health funding for councils has reduced by £700 million over the last five years. If we are to build back better post-pandemic and achieve longer, healthier life expectancy for all, we need the right funding now to put in the extra preventative measures to make that happen.”

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association Community Wellbeing Board said: “This excellent report could be a blueprint for the way forward for adult social care and we fully support the central message that social care should be seen as a “national imperative”. The positive framing of social care and the core focus on people who draw on care and support is particularly welcoming. “It rightly highlights the invisibility of the social care workforce and the incredible work they do to allow those who draw on care to live an equal life. It also brings to light the

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responds to the Lord Darzi Review of Health and Care (interim report), published by the Institute for Public Policy Research.

“Councils are ideally placed to lead on social prescribing and tackling loneliness in partnership with voluntary sector organisations, and this funding will help them deliver these vital services."

“The Government should ensure that local outbreak management plans can be stepped up if required if there is a re-emergence of the virus and that all partners are sufficiently resourced to make this happen."

“Public health teams in councils have been at the forefront of the tremendous local response to the pandemic and we look forward to working with the new UK Health Security Agency.”

"Everyone agrees that prevention is better than cure. Any move to help make our residents be happier and healthier is encouraging and councils look forward to working with the new Office for Health Promotion."