Mike Yuille 27 November 2018

Public health progress put at risk by cuts

The Government must restore councils’ public health grants because of their important role in the urgent task of improving public health, according to a report from leading health think tank, The King’s Fund.

Its report warns that, without ‘radical change’, progress in improving the nation’s health could ‘grind to a halt’.

The report calls on the Government to use the 2019 Spending Review to reverse its cuts to public health grants.

Currently, councils’ spending per head on public health services is expected to fall by almost a quarter in real terms between 2014/15 and 2019/20. 

The King’s Fund, an independent charity focused on improving health and care in England, argues that the steady growth in lifespan enjoyed by increasingly healthy UK citizens in recent decades can no longer be taken for granted. Evidence for this includes the stalling of progress made against a number of key measures – including life expectancy, infant mortality, adult obesity, and disease survival rates.

It also warns that a ‘yawning gap in health outcomes between rich and poor areas is widening again’. As an example, it says that a woman in Wokingham can now expect to enjoy nearly 17 years more years of healthy life than a woman in Manchester.

David Buck, Senior Fellow at The King’s Fund, said: ‘After a century of improving health, progress on key outcomes are grinding to a halt. Life expectancy is stalling, our health outcomes are mediocre compared with similar countries and health inequalities are widening. A new vision for the population’s health is needed.’

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

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner