public health
Public health grant increased
The Government has announced an increase in the public health grant for English councils in 2025/26, to £3.858 billion – a cash uplift of 5.4 per cent, or nearly £200 million, and a real-term increase of 3 per cent.
Addressing health inequalities to tackle STIs
The rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a major and increasing public health concern.
Local government backs ambitions for smoke-free generation
The Government has introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to Parliament, pledging to create a smoke-free generation, phasing out the sale of tobacco products to anyone aged 15 or younger this year.
New sexual health strategy needed as STIs rise
The LGA is calling on whoever forms the next government to launch a new 10-year sexual health strategy.
Guidance needed to support smoking ban – LGA
The LGA has called for sufficient lead-in time and guidance to be provided ahead of legislation on smoking and vaping coming into force, so that councils, retailers and others understand their new obligations and can prepare accordingly.
Beyond the short-term
How might patterns of ill health change because of our growing and ageing population? What measures are needed to mitigate rising levels of ill health?
‘Worrying’ new trends in drug use
There has been no change in the overall level of illicit drug use in England and Wales in the year to June 2022, compared with the previous year, according to new statistics.
Sexual health services ‘at breaking point’
Increased demand at the same time as historic reductions to local public health budgets are putting sexual health services at risk of a breaking point, the LGA has warned.