Laura Sharman 27 July 2020

Councils call for public health funding to avert obesity crisis

Council leaders have warned that the Government must reverse public health funding cuts in order for any new obesity strategy to be successful.

The Prime Minister has today unveiled his new strategy to help people lose weight, reducing their risk to coronavirus and protecting the NHS.

The new measures include a ban on junk food advertising before 9pm, calories to be printed on menus, and a ban on unhealthy food deals.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, said: ‘These plans are ambitious and rightly so. Tackling obesity will help prevent serious illness and save lives.’

The Local Government Association (LGA) warned that obesity is the ‘most serious’ public health challenge that risks bankrupting the NHS and social care services.

Cllr Paulette Hamilton, vice chair of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: ‘Cost-effective prevention work by councils is critical to reducing the risk of people having their lives shortened by obesity-related conditions and tackling the stark health inequalities so ruthlessly exposed by this pandemic.

’For any obesity strategy to be successful, the Government must reverse public health funding cuts and invest in these vital services so councils can supplement important population-wide interventions by intensively targeting those most at risk in their local areas.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Practitioner - Children in Care, North Essex

Essex County Council
£46574.0000 - £56027.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Children in Care, North EssexPermanent, Full Time£46,574 to £56,027 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Patrol Officer - St John's Green Primary School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - St John's Green Primary School, ColchesterPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hour Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

SEND Inclusion Partner

Essex County Council
£42761.0000 - £50307.0000 per annum
SEND Inclusion PartnerPermanent, Part Time£42,761 to £50,307 per annum (Full Time Equivalent)Actual Salary (22.2 hours per week) £25,657 to £30,184 pe England, Essex, Braintree
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356 - £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356- £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Brompton on Swale, Richmond
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner