Ellie Ames 07 October 2024

Higher spend on prevention could deliver £11bn return

Higher spend on prevention could deliver £11bn return image
Image: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A / Shutterstock.com

Targeting more funding towards preventative services could deliver an extra £11bn annual return on investment (ROI), according to new research.

The NHS Confederation report found that the top 20 interventions by ROI were community based, but noted that the public health grant to councils, which funds many preventative services, had effectively been cut by 28% per person since 2015-16.

Interventions with the highest return included adapting 100,000 homes where a serious fall is likely, and adapting a further 100,000 homes where residents are likely to require treatment due to the excess cold.

The report also recommends focussing spending on children and young people, exercise, reducing smoking, diabetes, and cardiovascular interventions.

Report authors said their analysis, combined with the recent Darzi report, highlighted the ‘stark’ need for health service and local authority leaders to invest more in prevention.

NHS Confederation chief executive Matthew Taylor said: ‘What we want to see is cross-government co-operation, collaboration and investment on health policy, recognising that that most policy that impacts people’s health is made outside the NHS.’

The chairman of the Local Government Association’s community wellbeing board, David Fothergill, said councils were increasingly having to direct spending to meet pressures in acute, frontline services.

He said: ‘Councils know how to maximize funding by partnering locally to create effective, preventative health services.

‘With proper funding, prevention can become a core part of health and care and not a luxury extra when budgets allow.’

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

Teaching Assistant - SENSS Ormerod Resource Base

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
About usThe SENSS Ormer... Woodstock
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Caretaker/Cleaner

Ashfield District Council
£13,400 - £13,612 per annum (pay award pending)
Predominantly, you will be working alone, so knowledge of Lone Working is essential. Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Coastal Processes Scientist

North Yorkshire Council
£37,035 to £41,511 per annum
Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing our stunning coastline? Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Development Engineer

London Borough of Bexley
£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: London Borough of Bexley

Lawyer 1 - Litigation

Herefordshire Council
£39,513 - £43,693
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Litigation Lawyer to join our dedicated and friendly Litigation Team within Legal Services. Hereford, Herefordshire
Recuriter: Herefordshire Council
Linkedin Banner