Local communities to receive funding for family and school nurses, sexual health clinics and other public health services
Local communities up and down the country will receive funding for family and school nurses, sexual health clinics and other public health services in their areas, thanks to a nearly £200 million boost in funding announced today (Friday 7 February).
As part of government plans to improve health outcomes across the country and build healthier communities, local public health services will be given more money to deliver prevention programmes, tailored to their residents.
This investment is a key part of the government’s Plan for Change, shifting the focus from hospital to community and from sickness to prevention to build a more sustainable, fit for future NHS.
The funding for public health will power essential services such as smoking cessation programs, addiction recovery, family and school nurses, sexual health clinics, local health protection services and public health support for local NHS services.
The boost represents a significant turning point for local health services, marking the biggest real-terms increase after nearly a decade of reduced spending between 2016 and 2024.
Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said:
Funding for public health grants will be increased to £3.858 billion - a 5.4% cash uplift (3.0% in real terms) on last year’s funding. This investment will tackle the root causes of ill health, and build stronger, healthier communities nationwide.
Helping people live better for longer will aid in relieving pressure on the NHS and support the Plan for Change in ending hospital backlogs.