News

Local health chiefs are warning that the increase in costs of essential food items and energy has created a ‘second health emergency’ after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Significant challenges remain for public health services

NHS pay rises cannot and should not be an additional burden on already pressured council public health budgets.

Councils have done a tremendous job in inviting nearly 23.5 million eligible people to have a Health Check over the last 10 years, of which nearly 11 million have taken up the offer.

“The problems caused by nitrous oxide in our local communities are no laughing matter. Councils are concerned that not only does it lead to a plague of anti-social behaviour but there is growing evidence that it can cause serious health problems for those who use it."

"Inequalities were already having an impact on the health and wellbeing of ethnic minority communities, which the pandemic has now exacerbated further."

It is alarming that children who live in areas with the highest levels of deprivation and limited access to dentists are five times more likely to have teeth extracted in hospital

Councils’ allocations for the local public health grant from April, which also goes to fund local addiction support services, has still yet to be announced leaving the future of many vital services in doubt.

Councils are especially concerned by the marketing of vapes with designs and flavours that could appeal to children, in particular those with fruity and bubble gum flavours, and colourful child-friendly packaging.  

The LGA is calling on the Government to urgently publish the Public Health Grant funding allocations. Time is running out for councils to set budgets and spending plans and to make critical decisions on renewing contracts for vital public health services.