Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of Public Health England, will attend to speak on Public Health England and its work with Local Government. Duncan will then engage in discussion with the Board.
Minutes:
The Chairman introduced Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of Public Health England, who had been invited to attend the Board to discuss Public Health England and its work with Local Government.
Duncan expressed that he would like to pursue greater visibility in the work of local authorities in improving public health. He also emphasised Public Health England’s goal was not only to improve length of life, but the length of life in good health.
He highlighted the challenges faced by Public Health England and local government in improving public health; in particular that their two biggest restraints in improving public health is obesity and tobacco, one in four hospital beds are occupied by a smoker and there hasn’t been enough interest in hospitals becoming smoke free. Further to this he emphasised that addressing these issues was not a political issue, but an economic one. He also highlighted the importance of employment for good health; which has been evidenced and that getting people back into work will be a priority going forward. Creating jobs people can get and access from where they live will be beneficial for public health. He also emphasised the importance of a decent place to live, friendship and affection in an individual’s health.
Duncan stated that it was their duty to improve the public health of the people as direct health care could only provide a small fraction of these things.
Further to this Duncan gave praise to the role of local government in public health. He stated that local authorities have applied both rigour and discipline, as well as having made savings and improved outcomes. He also highlighted that sector led improvement would remain critical. Duncan expressed his pride in local government and that he looked forward to continuing to work with the Local Government Association to demonstrate the impact councils had on health.
In the discussion with Duncan which followed Members raised the following points:
· A Member asked what could be done to improve joint work regarding Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs).
· A concern was raised regarding the public health funding formula. A Member asked how Duncan would ensure there will not be errors in how the funding is divided between local authorities.
· A Member asked how we can demonstrate the value of parks and pools in decreasing obesity, in particular in areas of deprivation.
· In response to the question on STPs Duncan explained that more leadership from local authorities would be critical in joint work going forward as only local authorities have the necessary focus on place.
· In response to the concern raised on the public health funding formula Duncan explained that he would not forget the previous error in the funding formula and that establishing the new formula would be a very thoughtful process.
· It was highlighted regarding the value of parks and pools that showing connection to outcome would be important in demonstrating their importance to central government.
· A Member asked what Councils can do to address inequalities in health between localities.
· A concern was raised that in Public Health England’s last five year forward view there was not enough reference to the contribution of local government in prevention.
· A concern was raised over the danger of new drugs on public health.
· Regarding inequalities in health between localities Duncan emphasised the importance of the impact of tobacco, diet and exercise on the public as well as in recognising areas of deprivation. He explained that local authorities will need to focus on working together to counter these issues across boundaries.
· Duncan emphasised the importance of economics in improving public health, in particular in ensuring more jobs are created for local people. Increasing prosperity and ensuring people can get back into work will play a big role in improving public health in future.
· Duncan also emphasised that recovery rates have only ever improved since local authorities had taken on public health responsibilities.
· Regarding legal highs Duncan gave reassurance that central government are wary that this issue needs to be addressed and that the main focus for the time being would be ensuring the public have the support required.
Decision
The Board noted the presentation.