Child decay levels will be public health indicator
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- Published: Sunday, 19 February 2012 11:43
- Written by News Editor
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| Cutting tooth decay in children, along with preventing cancer and the population weighing less, are just some of the challenges local councils will be able to track their progress against when they take over looking after the health and well-being of their residents, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has announced. |
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Local authorities will be paid a new health premium for the progress they make against the public health indicators. However in Southampton council members see this as a political ‘bribe' to encourage them to support fluoridation. The leaders of all three main parties on the city council have said that they will not back adding fluoride to the tap water of 200,000 homes in a bid to gain extra cash from the Government.
The Government has that for the first time, public health will be measured against a framework which sets out 66 health measures so councils and the Government are able to see real improvements being made and take any action needed.From April 2013, councils will be given a ring-fenced budget – a share of around £5.2 billion based on 2012/13 funding – and will be able to choose how they spend it according to the needs of their population. Those who make the most improvements will be rewarded with a cash incentive.
Andrew Lansley said: “We are giving local councils the money, the power, the right expertise and information to build healthier communities. Every area of the country is different so councils will be able to decide what the most important public health concern is for them and spend the money appropriately.It is absolutely right that the budget and decision making sits with councils. They will be able to address all aspects that affect our well-being – such as school attendance, homelessness and fuel poverty – in the round. Using the framework we have published today, local professionals will be able to make real changes to improve health."
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