Local authorities have been offered advice on which public health actions offer the best value for money in a series of briefings from The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence  (NICE).

With councils taking on a wider remit for public health from 2013, the briefings will provide guidance on what actions are most effective while saving money in the short and long-term. The three topics covered are tobacco, physical activity and workplace health.

Professor Mike Kelly, director of the Centre for Public Health Excellence at NICE said: ‘Given the current economic climate it's more important than ever to make best use of limited funds, and research clearly shows the value of public health action and its potential to save resources while improving health.

'We hope that this practical advice will be useful to local government as it tackles its new public health responsibilities.'

Some of the key recommendations include promoting active travel to school and workplaces, involving communities in encouraging people to stop smoking, and supporting a culture of healthy eating.