Chris Mahony 22 March 2022

Ministers urged to reverse public health cuts

Ministers urged to reverse public health cuts image
Image: chainarong06 / Shutterstock.com

The Local Government Association (LGA) has urged ministers to reverse public health cuts amid warnings the COVID-19 pandemic has left staff exhausted and exacerbated recruitment difficulties.

More than half of councils taking part in an LGA survey reported that staff shortages were causing ‘disruptions’ to public health services.

The survey results were published to mark today’s start of the annual public health conference, which the LGA organises in partnership with the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH).

LGA analysis showed that the public health grant has fallen by almost a quarter (24%) in real terms since 2015-16, equivalent to a total reduction of £1bn. The greatest reductions have been in deprived areas with the highest levels of health inequalities.

The ADPH and LGA urged ministers to commit to long-term funding increases, including an extension of the Contain Outbreak Management Fund, so public health services can retain the expertise they built up during the pandemic and prepare for future variants.

Chairman of the LGA’s community wellbeing board, David Fothergill, said: ‘Local public health teams have gone above and beyond over the last two years to support their communities through the pandemic.

'It is clear that staff are exhausted from this effort and there are growing gaps in the public health workforce.

‘Although restrictions have been eased in England, community transmission is on the rise again and COVID-19 has, sadly, not gone away.

‘To tackle this – alongside the wide range of services they provide, such as tackling childhood obesity and treating substance misuse – councils need a real terms increase in their public health grant as well as long-term funding assurances from the Government.’

The Government has been asked to comment.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Corporate Director Children and Young People’s Service

North Yorkshire Council
£136,853 to £159,178 plus relocation support
North Yorkshire is England's largest county and a beautiful, vibrant place to live and work. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Customer Service Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £12541.00 per annum
Customer Service AssistantPermanent, Part Time£12,541 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Executive Director of Communications and Engagement

City of London
Competitive Salary
This role requires strategic vision, operational excellence, and political acumen London (City of), London (Greater)
Recuriter: City of London

Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
You will be supporting adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs, ageing needs and dementia. This is a frontline role where you will be providing high quality and meaningful activities, medication support, personal care, food and drink prepar Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Community Support Worker

Essex County Council
£25395.0000 - £32131.0000 per annum
The Role As a Community Support Worker, your role will include undertaking Assessments and Reviews in line with our Statutory duties under the Care England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner