"Extremely disappointing" - council's reaction to Public Health Grant government allocation
The government recently announced that Public Health grant allocations for local authorities in England will rise by 3.3% for 2023-24.
With an inflation rate of over 10% and higher than ever pressures on NHS and social care sectors, the government's announcement on Public Health Grant allocations rises significant challenges for local councils, including Telford & Wrekin Council, in further tackling public health issues.
The Public Health Grant helps support council’s preventative health services - such as healthy lifestyles, drugs & alcohol prevention, sexual health and many others services which help people lead healthier lives and reduces their risks of a disease.
Cllr Kelly Middleton (Lab), Cabinet Member for Leisure, Public health and Well-being, Equalities and Partnerships said: "Today we received the news regarding the public health grant allocation for our council.
"A 3.3% uplift in Public Health Grant for 2023-2024 when inflation is running at more than 10% is extremely disappointing.
“In real terms, the government funding allocated to our council to tackle public health issues will be reduced over the next two years.
"At a time when NHS and social care are in crisis, at a time when we need to do all we can to keep people out of the hospital, the government has cut public health funding.
“As a council, we will continue to do all we can to protect and care for our residents and ensure our public health offer is as good as it can be”
