Local governments in the UK will have more responsibility for public health in a set of measures announced by the coalition government today (24 January).
The Department of Health said local authorities would take over looking after the “health and wellbeing” of their residents and will be handed a “ring-fenced” budget to tackle issues including obesity, tooth decay and coronary disease.
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The UK government has decided to set up a “framework” of 66 targets to measure local councils’ progress. These include people weighing less, fewer children under five having toothe decay and fewer people will die of heart disease or strokes.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “We are giving local councils the money, the power, the right expertise and information to build healthier communities. Every area of the country is different so councils will be able to decide what the most important public health concern is for them and spend the money appropriately.
He added: “It is absolutely right that the budget and decision making sits with councils. They will be able to address all aspects that affect our wellbeing – such as school attendance, homelessness and fuel poverty – in the round.”
Local councils will get a “share” of a budget of around GBP5.2bn (US$8.1bn), based on 2012/13 funding.
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By GlobalDataLocal authorities will be paid a new “health premium” for the progress they make against the public health indicators.
