Innovation in the delivery of public health services is being stifled by government policy, Stuart Anderson MP has said. Ministers have revealed a quadrupling of councils reporting diminished reserves for public health services.
It was in response to a series of written questions that Stuart had tabled in Parliament, as a result of which Ministers have admitted "health inequalities faced by rural communities in England."
Each year, councils are given ring-fenced funding to improve local health outcomes. It included £14 million for Shropshire Council. With an extra £725,921, it represents £42.10 per person.
The grants are aimed to improve the health of the county’s population and reduce health inequalities. It grant enables the Council to invest in preventing ill health, promoting healthier lives, and addressing health disparities.
Yet, much of this year’s increase is due to be spent on NHS contracts and employer’s National Insurance Contributions, which increased in April. 83 councils have also reported decreased reserves, compared to 21 councils only two years ago.
Meanwhile, only 45 councils reported increased reserves in 2023/24 - halve the number in 2021/22. Stuart has now called on Ministers to unlock innovation in the delivery of public health services with longer-term settlements.
Ahead of the Autumn Budget, Stuart has now urged the government to provide longer-term public health grants to local authorities. He has said that this would improve health outcomes in local communities.
The current public health grant allocation for 2025-2026 is £3.869 billion, which is distributed to local authorities to improve health in local populations.
However, with diminishing reserves in council budgets, Stuart has said that it is crucial for the government to provide longer-term funding to support public health initiatives.
Stuart has said that this would enable local authorities like Shropshire to plan and invest in initiatives that have a lasting impact on public health - rather than focusing on short-term solutions.
He has also said that it would enable councils to collaborate with local partners, including healthcare providers, community groups, and businesses, to develop innovative solutions to public health challenges.
Stuart has added that it would build capacity and expertise within local authorities, enabling them to deliver effective public health programmes.
Local authorities in rural areas like South Shropshire face unique challenges, including limited resources and funding constraints. This can hinder the effectiveness of public health initiatives.
At the same time, rural areas often experience health disparities. This includes limited access to healthcare services and higher rates of certain health conditions.
Accordingly, Stuart has urged Ministers to consider the benefits of providing longer-term public health grants to local authorities. He has said that, by doing so, we can improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities in local communities.
This would also enable local authorities to develop effective solutions to complex health challenges. The call to action is part of Stuart’s campaign to enhance public services.in South Shropshire.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"The health and wellbeing of my constituents in South Shropshire is a top priority of mine. So, I want to do all that I can to secure better investment for local services that improves the quality of services and outcomes achieved for fellow residents across South Shropshire. Yet, government policy is stifling innovation and restricting scope to support grassroots community projects. Ahead of the Autumn Budget, I have urged Ministers to provide councils with longer term public health grants. This would enable them to plan interventions and invest in initiatives that have a lasting impact on public health outcomes in the local areas - unlocking innovation in public health delivery."
