There has been a decrease in diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in England, according to annual data from the UK Health Security Agency.
At the same time, the number of people accessing locally commissioned sexual health services has increased to more than 4.6 million, highlighting the role of these services in supporting public health.
Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: “Councils work hard to deliver these services and are ready to play their part in the delivery of the Women’s Health Strategy, the HIV Action Plan and the Men’s Health Strategy. However, current spending on sexual health remains lower than in 2017.
“To ensure equitable access to testing and treatment, improve prevention and tackle health inequalities, sexual health services must be adequately resourced with sustained investment, particularly where demand is concentrated among young people and higher-risk groups.
“The Sexual and Reproductive Health Framework is an important plan, and must be backed by the funding to deliver it effectively.”