Collective Voice signs letter to PM & Chancellor

Collective Voice has signed an open letter coordinated by the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH), calling on the Prime Minister and Chancellor to protect and restore funding for public health in this month’s Budget.

The letter, written by the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH), and signed by 47 organisations including the Faculty of Public Health, NHS Confederation and Royal Society of Medicine, welcomes the positive start made to the mission to improve the nation’s health, but warns that a coherent, cross-government approach, backed by investment in public health services is needed to achieve their public health policy ambitions.

The letter also calls on the Government to create an environment where  everyone has the access to the basic building blocks needed to live healthier lives for longer.

The new Government has talked about the importance of prevention in resolving the major issues they face, particularly across healthcare and prisons.

Public health – and specifically treatment for people facing issues with use of alcohol or other drugs – is a key part of the solution.  Local authority budgets for this work, which fund a range of activities including our treatment and recovery services, are key to addressing these issues.

If we get this right, we can reduce the pressure on the NHS, reduce crime and address the crisis in our prisons.

But most importantly we can help people live long, fulfilling lives.

You can read the letter and expert reaction to it here.