Public health
Clear leadership from the government is needed on public health
Wellbeing should be built into the fabric of Government decision-making when it comes to both policy-making and funding allocation - and it is time for a multi-year funding settlement for public health, says Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy.
Directors of public health have infused their specialism into a broader strategic context
How long will it be before we see a chief executive of a council or large scale not-for-profit enterprise emerging from the modern public health sector?
The Market leaders
Kevin Foster explains the purpose of the East Sussex Social Value Marketplace – an online platform that enables the public, private and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sectors to raise their needs so that contractors can respond.
Government departments: ‘adopt a national health and wellbeing board approach’
Poverty and inequality should be understood and tackled as a public health issue, says a new paper from the Association of Directors of Children’s Services. Ann McGauran reports
IPPR calls for public health funding to be linked to NHS budgets
Public health funding should be linked to increases in the NHS budget, a briefing published by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) suggests.
'Public health emergency' urged over drugs deaths
MPs have urged the UK and Scottish governments to declare a public health emergency around drug deaths in Scotland and for Westminster to legislate to allow safe consumption facilities.
Getting to grips with youth violence
Stuart Gallimore says the Government’s response to serious youth violence and knife crime addresses the symptoms, not the root causes.
Let’s make a collective effort
Julie Ogley argues that we need to take a wider view that puts the focus on the integration of adult social care with all other key public services.
Don't erode new funding with fresh obligations
The Spending Round was good news for councils, but if there is a systematic erosion of that funding with new obligations 'it risks leaving a sour taste', says Gary Fielding.
Spend 2.5% of UK’s GDP on tackling climate change and air quality, say London’s environment and public health directors
This Sunday, 22 September, is car free day. Stephen Evans and Dr Tamara Djuretic highlight London’s focus on policy solutions such as restricted and emissions-based parking, low emissions zones and better walking and cycling infrastructure.
A solid financial result
The annoucement of £3.5bn for councils in the Spending Round was a solid result for districts, with many asks being met, says Cllr John Fuller. For the moment, he is focused on making the case for establishing a stable financial future.
Tackling youth crime: building the evidence for what really works
The Youth Endowment Fund is a bold attempt to put early intervention at the heart of efforts to keep children and young people away from involvement in crime, says Dr Jane O’Brien.
Putting a public health approach at the heart of the response
Waltham Forest LBC has had a longstanding commitment to tackling youth gang culture. But Heather Flinders says that in 2017, after four more gang-related murders, the council chose to boost its response within a ‘re-imagined public health approach’
Money for something
The Spending Round announcement last week seems a positive move for the sector on the face of it, but raises questions over the the future balance between central control and local discretion says David Phillips.
Charity calls for re-investment in public health grant
A new study of health and social care spending has found that the Government focuses too much on acute services rather than investing in long-term preventative measures.
Devolution of immigration proposed to support healthcare
The devolution of immigration quotas to local government is among the proposals by a think-tank aimed at bolstering place-based health.
A journey starts with a single step
Places like North Yorkshire have never been well funded by governments, according to Richard Webb. He says we will need to see the final departmental settlement detail of the spending round announcements, but at first look the news is very welcome.
What does the Spending Round mean for public health?
A spending round settlement for public health just slightly above inflation is welcome, but we need ‘bigger and braver thinking’ and a multi-year package, says Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy.
Taking health inequalities out of the shadows
A conference on health and health inequalities has highlighted the importance of taking a life course approach and the need for public health teams to develop a narrative that takes account of people’s social circumstances. Claire Laurent reports
Give councils the powers, funding and tools they need to deliver
James Jamieson has a message for Boris Johnson: Give us the powers, freedoms, flexibilities and funding and we will deliver your post-Brexit vision that transforms this country for the better.