WIREDGOV

Responding to the latest NHS Health Check statistics for 2019/20, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, yesterday said:

“Health checks can save lives and prevent people from developing life-threatening conditions, which has become even more crucial during the current crisis.

“Councils have done a tremendous job in inviting nearly 14 million eligible people to have a check over the last five years, of which 6.4 million have taken up the offer.

“Coronavirus has impacted all our lives, with many health check services halted in March to help with the wider national effort. As these fully resume, it will be more important than ever for those eligible for a health check to sign up for one.

“These free checks, commissioned by councils as part of their public health responsibilities, also help relieve pressures on our NHS and care system.

“The upcoming Spending Review should see a significant and sustainable investment in public health, including a reversal of councils’ £700 million grant funding reductions since 2015, to help ensure as many people as possible can receive these checks.”

Notes to Editors

NHS Health Check statistics: January to March 2020

NHS Health Check statistics: April to June 2020

Councils in England face a funding gap of more than £5 billion by 2024 to maintain services at current levels - this figure could double amid the huge economic and societal uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The LGA’s detailed submission to the Comprehensive Spending Review sets out how £10 billion is needed to not only plug this gap but meet growing demand pressures and improve services for communities.