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LGA responds to NAO report on NHS Health Checks

The Government needs to address the funding gap in public health, ensuring that councils are properly resourced to deliver preventative services and improve health outcomes for all communities.


Responding to a report by the National Audit Office on NHS Health Checks, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board said: 

“For many councils, NHS Health Checks are a key part of their health improvement programmes, engaging people in early conversations about health risks and lifestyle changes. However since 2015, the Public Health Grant has been reduced by £858 million, limiting councils' ability to fund these crucial services.

“This has led to a shift towards reactive care, despite evidence of the benefits of early intervention. Councils have adapted by using innovative approaches, targeting high-risk communities through outreach, and expanding services beyond general practices. Over the past decade, councils have invited over 23.5 million people for a Health Check, with nearly 11 million participating. Despite these efforts, funding pressures remain.

“The Government needs to address the funding gap in public health, ensuring that councils are properly resourced to deliver preventative services and improve health outcomes for all communities. As the NAO highlights, poor data sharing hampers councils' ability to track outcomes but calls for a review of commissioning are a distraction from the real issue of inadequate funding.”

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