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“Tackling our health inequalities, which have been so starkly exposed during the pandemic, will require significant long-term investment in the public health services which can improve people’s health and wellbeing and reduce future pressure on the NHS. "

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responds to Public Health England’s Health Profile for England report.

“The progress made in supporting people with HIV, enabling them to live independent, fulfilling lives, and the fact that it is no longer the death sentence it once was, is a major public health success story."

“Youth offending teams within councils have an outstanding record of reducing youth crime and making a real difference to young people’s lives, but they are under huge pressure after seeing their government funding halved over the last decade."

“We are delighted that the Secretary of State has accepted the LGA’s powerful case for councils to keep their vital role and valued responsibilities for providing public health services, rather than transferring them back to the NHS."

“Social care deserves parity of esteem with the NHS and as this report reiterates, action is urgently needed for the care workforce including on pay, conditions, professionalisation, skills and training."

“Social care deserves parity of esteem with the NHS, including on future PPE supply and infection control measures. Frontline health and care workers should receive all the appropriate protective equipment they need.”

Responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement this evening on the variant of concern originating in India, Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the LGA, said: “As the Prime Minister said at his press conference this evening, the new variant is a worrying development and we all need to play our part in ensuring we limit any further transmission."

"Whilst we are all keen to get back to normal as soon as possible, we all still need to remain vigilant and use common sense wherever necessary."

“Councils continue to work closely with local businesses to help high streets reopen safely and successfully again from 12 April.”