Councils have said they are being left in limbo due to a lack of clarity from the Government over public health funding for the next year.
The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils across England, is calling on the Government to publish the public health grant funding allocations, which councils will receive from April. It said child health visiting, programmes to tackle obesity and drug and alcohol treatment all risk being cut back or closed unless plans can be made.
It warned “time is running out” for councils to set budgets and renew contracts relating to public health. According to the LGA, public health funding grants to councils have fallen by more than £1 billion in real terms from 2015/16 to 2021/22.
David Baines, vice-chair of the LGA’s community wellbeing board, said: “Demand for vital treatment including mental health support was high before the pandemic. In the aftermath of Covid-19, it is even more urgent that these services are properly funded.
“Councils are currently in the dark about public health funding and this can’t go on. Residents and our communities need clarity.
“Every pound invested by Government in council-run services such as public health helps to relieve pressure on other services like the NHS and the criminal justice system.
“The Government needs to give councils the clarity they need so they can increase investment to protect the health of our local communities over the coming months and years and to ensure all local authorities can continue to meet their public health responsibilities into the future.”
The Department of Health has been approached for comment.
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