Council leaders have defended health workers against claims they are wasting taxpayers' cash by introducing healthy lifestyle schemes. Town halls across the country have started initiatives to improve residents' health and wellbeing, from employing dance development officers in Oldham, Lancashire, to a healthy living centre project manager in Adur, West Sussex. The Taxpayers' Alliance says these initiatives are a step too far, and councils should just focus on core services. The alliance's political director, Susie Squire, said: ‘Councils have been empire building for years. They are trying to do too much and therefore, not doing anything properly.' But the LGA claims the new roles are a long-term strategy which will not only save money but lives. An LGA spokeswoman said: ‘These positions are not highly paid. These are real people working on the ground in local communities. Obesity costs the NHS an estimated £1bn a year. Improving people's health is a big priority not just for local councils but central government and the NHS.
