William Eichler 20 January 2022

Council chiefs warn vital health services ‘at risk’

Council chiefs warn vital health services ‘at risk’  image
Image: Chinnapong/Shutterstock.com.

Vital frontline health services are at risk due to a lack of certainty around councils’ public health funding, local authority leaders have warned.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has urged the Government to urgently publish the Public Health Grant funding allocations which councils will receive from April.

The LGA warned that time was ‘running out’ for councils to make critical decisions on renewing contracts for public health services, including for health visiting, sexual and reproductive health, and suicide prevention.

Local authority health services are also under increased pressure because of Omicron, the LGA added.

‘Demand for vital treatment for drug and alcohol misuse, obesity, mental health and children’s health is rising and at risk of not being met, while we are still grappling with the impact of the Omicron surge,’ said Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board.

‘The unprecedented mental and physical health toll of the pandemic will mean we could be seeing many more people coming forward for support, in addition to an existing backlog which has built up over the last two years.

‘It is wrong that we are still in the dark about how much there is to spend on this essential treatment and support, which will better protect our population from future pandemics.

‘The Government should act now and publish councils’ public health grant without further delay, so that we can get on with planning ahead for an anticipated post-COVID surge in requests for help.’

In response to the LGA’s call, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘We understand local authorities need certainty to plan for the vital public health services they provide. Public Health Grant allocations for 2022/23 will be confirmed shortly.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Data, Monitoring and Citizen Science Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £37,035 to £40,476 p.a. (Pay Award Pending)
We are looking for an organised and reliable individual to join our team here at the North Pennines National Landscape in Stanhope for a period of 15 Stanhope
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5, £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata 37 hours per week, Term Time only + 2 weeks Permanent     Required from 1st September Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Structures Commissioner

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer - WMF2139e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586
We have an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to apply for the role of Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer. Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Customer Operations Assistant

Wyre Borough Council
£12.26 Per Hour
Marine Hall is a vibrant and dynamic venue dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for our audiences and customers. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner