Free NHS health check invites were sent to more than one million people aged 40 and over by March this year, the Local Government Association (LGA) has revealed.
Through the programme, the NHS and local authority public health teams aim to ‘detect and prevent’ serious conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease in those aged 40 to 74.
The LGA found that over 320,000 checks were completed in the first quarter of 2025.
However, due to the gap between the amount of invitations sent and the number of checks carried out, the LGA has highlighted the importance of improving service accessibility, for example, by introducing workplace checks.
To help decrease health inequalities, councils are also using ‘proactive outreach programmes’ that support groups at higher risk of disease and those less likely to visit a GP.
Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor, Chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: ‘Identifying risks early gives people the best chance to take action before problems develop. If you receive an invitation, don’t ignore it. It’s quick, free, and could be one of the most important steps you take for your health and future.’
She added: ‘Public health funding gaps do continue to present barriers for councils. It is vital that councils are properly resourced to deliver preventative services and improve health outcomes for all communities.’
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