WIREDGOV

There is a strong moral argument why local authorities and their partners work to improve the heath of their communities and to reduce the inequalities gap. But investing in preventative public health also makes sound business sense. 

The IDeA through the Healthy Communities programme plans to support the sector to understand where efficiency savings can be achieved and how to realise them. It is currently asking local authorities and partnerships to work with them to trial this theory in practice.

The business case for health improvement rests on the distinction between prevention and cure. For example, working with older people to maintain their independence and stay healthy will help reduce social services costs as well as improve outcomes for residents.

Councillor David Rogers, chair of the LGA Community Wellbeing Board, said:

“There needs to be a greater focus on the financial impact of health improvement activity within local government, and to see where local authorities could expect to make efficiency savings”.

The Healthy Communities Programme has published a review which looks at the evidence and research on the financial and non-financial impact of health improvement:

Valuing health: developing a business case for health improvement

The Healthy Communities Programme are now seeking local authorities and partnerships to work with to test out this theory in practice. For more information please contact:

Hannah Deacon
email: hannah.deacon@idea.gov.uk

Expressions of interest to be submitted by 19 February 2010.

Further information

Contact:

Paul Bailey
telephone: 020 7296 6529
email: paul.bailey@idea.gov.uk