Local health chiefs are warning that the increase in costs of essential food items and energy has created a ‘second health emergency’ after the COVID-19 pandemic.
At their annual public health conference in March, the LGA and the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) said the rising cost of living is having significant health consequences.
Their annual public health report found that people with the least financial resilience are affected the most but increasing numbers of people who were previously ‘just about managing’ now need support.
The report marks the tenth anniversary of the transfer of public health responsibilities to local authorities. It found that councils and partners have upped their game once again to respond to the rise in the cost of living, building on relationships forged during the response to COVID-19.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board said: “The increase in the cost of living is having a real impact on our local communities, particularly in areas with higher levels of deprivation.
“Councils have been doing what they can to help; bringing together partners from the NHS and voluntary sector to support those who need it the most.
“Building on the experience of the pandemic, public health is at the forefront of each local response.
“However public health services, such as for sexual health or school nurses, which are crucial in helping to relieve the pressure on our health and care system, continue to face challenging financial circumstances.
“To address this, the Government should provide long-term funding increases to public health services, which do so much to improve health outcomes in our local communities.”