Briefings and responses

Obesity and diet-related health issues are one of the biggest public health challenges we face, with the cost of treating obesity-related ill health forecast to rise to £9.7 billion a year by 2050.

Councils are key to identifying and addressing the social factors that may influence a person’s mental health. Such as between health inequalities, protected characteristics, socioeconomic deprivation, and poor mental health, however, resources limit the work that councils can do.

The LGA welcomes increased funding in the short-term, but we also urge the Government to set out a long-term sustainable funding plan for public health as part of the Spending Review.

These FAQs are not an exhaustive list. We will continue to add new questions and answers as and when they arise.

Obesity continues to be a key public health challenge for both councils and wider public finances. It is estimated that the NHS spends £6.5 billion on obesity-related health care each year, whilst the cost to wider society is estimated to be £27 billion per year. Under a backdrop of public health grant reductions, councils have spent over £1billion tackling child and adult obesity since responsibility for public health transferred to councils in 2013.

On 3 July, the Government launched a new 10 Year Health Plan, which is summarised in this briefing. It draws out the key points relevant to local government and sets out our immediate LGA response.

The LGA welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Department for Work and Pensions’ Pathways to Work Green Paper. This response draws on the experience of councils across England and builds on the LGA’s long-standing calls for a more integrated, preventative and locally led employment and support system.

The LGA welcomes the Government’s announcement of the first-ever Men’s Health Strategy for England. Men face significantly higher rates of serious health conditions and premature death compared to women.

The Modern Service Framework for Dementia and Frailty intends to reduce unwarranted variation and narrow inequality for those living with dementia, and will set national standards for dementia care and redirect National Health Service priorities to provide the best possible care and support. The LGA stressed that it is essential that Modern Service Frameworks are developed in partnership with local authorities and reflect the role and responsibilities of councils in supporting people with mental health needs or dementia in the community.

The LGA welcomes NHS England’s LGBT+ Health Evidence Review as a timely and necessary initiative to address persistent health inequalities experienced by LGBT+ communities across England. Local government plays a vital role in shaping inclusive, community-based health and wellbeing services, and we are committed to ensuring that the voices and experiences of LGBT+ people are reflected in national policy and practice.