Public health
How councils keep public health top of the agenda
It’s 175 years since England’s first municipal public health official was appointed, so how are local authorities performing at keeping people healthy? Professor Jim McManus takes the long view.
The ‘people’s choice’ for health and care leadership
Andrew Laird says local authorities are the driving force for the levelling up agenda through co-production with local communities, and there are many reasons why council leaders are perfect for the role of leading in health and care ‘places’.
Government urged to overhaul public health laws
Public health leaders have the Government to overhaul legislation as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) sheds temporary workers taken on during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The energy crisis: what can councils do to protect their communities?
The Government continues to shy away from the investment needed to improve the energy efficiency of housing, but Green Doctors can still help people navigate the crisis, says Fay Holland.
Building a health protection system fit for today and tomorrow
A lack of funding could turn a ‘tale of two pandemics’ into a ‘tale of two recoveries’, with some of the most deprived areas less able to support their communities, says Professor Jim McManus.
July is just the starting line for ICS
James Arrowsmith says collaboration with local government is key to the success of Integrated Care Systems, and we will need to keep making the case for the equal role of councils.
Ministers urged to reverse public health cuts
The Local Government Association (LGA) has urged ministers to reverse public health cuts amid warnings the COVID-19 pandemic has left staff exhausted and exacerbated recruitment difficulties.
Pressure put on Treasury for extra COVID cash
The UK’s health agency has been adding to pressure on the Treasury to hand millions of pounds of extra post-COVID funding to councils, The MJ understands.
Creating critical mass for emergencies
As Integrated Care Systems gear up to take on new Civil Contingencies responsibilities, Ruth Tennant sets out four key points for them to reflect on, and examines the risks in the system.
HMJ: Minimum pricing not driving up cross-border purchases
People did not travel extensively outside of Scotland to buy cheaper alcohol following the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP), a study has revealed.
HMJ: Risk warning over screen time
Children’s health is being put at risk due to the rise in time they are spending on devices, researchers have warned.
HMJ: Councils urged to clamp down on junk food adverts
Public health experts have urged local authorities to restrict junk food advertising to stop companies exploiting a ‘loophole’ in new rules.
HMJ: AI set to be used to tackle obesity across Leicester
Leicester City Council will be using artificial intelligence to develop personalised weight loss plans to tackle obesity.
HMJ: Call to cut VAT on e-cigarettes
Councils have called for VAT on e-cigarette sales to be reduced from 20% to 5% to help people stop smoking.
HMJ: Smokefree scheme relaunched
The Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control has been relaunched to demonstrate how councils will help the Government meet its smokefree 2030 ambition.
HMJ: Record numbers treated for eating disorders
A record number of young people are receiving treatment for eating disorders, according to new NHS figures.
Councils need ongoing funds to tackle infections
Corporate memory and capability built up by councils during the pandemic will be lost if some Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) does not continue, warns ADPH president Jim McManus.
Johnson ending COVID restrictions 'too early'
Councils in England have said national moves to drop COVID-19 restrictions and support are being made too quickly.
The road to normality – but without direction
The Prime Minister may have declared a return to normality, but a host of issues remain, says Heather Jameson. 'Dealing with the impact on social care and public health is only the very tip of the iceberg.'
Questions over councils' capacity to respond to COVID after Boris announcement
Doubts have been cast over whether councils will have the resources to respond to future outbreaks and new variants.
