It is fair to say that the last nine years haven't been too kind to local authorities. but one positive was the Health and Social Care Act's transter of public health functions to councils.

Whilst offering new possibilities and crucially a link between public health and council services, the transfer seemed a no brainer - you can improve exercise and healthy living if you engage with schools, leisure centres and social care; you can improve alcohol misuse by linking with drug misuse and care services.