Cost of living a ‘second health emergency’ after Covid-19

Local health chiefs are warning that the increase in costs of essential food items and energy has created a ‘second health emergency’ after the Covid-19 pandemic.

At this week’s virtual Annual Public Health Conference, which starts today, the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH), said the rising cost of living is having significant health consequences, particularly in those communities that have higher levels of deprivation already.

Today we are publishing our joint Annual Public Health report, which has found that people with least financial resilience are affected the most, but increasing numbers of people who were previously ‘just about managing’ now need support.

Despite the best efforts of councils and their directors of public health, who have provided support such as dedicated warm hubs and access to affordable food, the LGA is concerned that current health inequalities could be widened.

The report marks the tenth anniversary of the transfer of public health responsibilities to local authorities, with it finding that a year of uncertainty about the direction of public health policy and the approach to tackling health inequalities has concerned local directors of public health.

However, it found that councils, the NHS and the voluntary and community sector have upped their game once again to respond to the rise in the cost of living, building on relationships forged during the response to Covid-19.

Economic prosperity and health go hand in hand but the links between the two need to be much more widely understood. Councils are calling on the Government to address this challenge by making long-term increases to local public health funding, which can go to support those in communities who need it the most.

Prof Jim McManus, ADPH President and Director of Public Health for Hertfordshire said:

“The last ten years have seen a great deal of progress as a result of the move to local government. Directors of Public Health in England are able to work in much closer partnership with local government departments than before to help ensure that our communities’ health needs are put at the very heart of decision and policy making.

“There is however still a long way to go and our colleagues in the NHS and voluntary and community sector are a critical part of the work we are doing in public health to help people, right from the very start of childhood, live longer, healthier lives.

“However, last week, new Public Health Grant allocations were published and yet again we find ourselves in an untenable position, without adequate funding.

“Sadly, these cuts are counterproductive and, despite our best efforts, will inevitably result in vital services being reduced at a time when existing health inequalities have been further exacerbated by the rising cost of living.”

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board said:

“The increase in the cost of living is having a real impact on our local communities, particularly in areas with higher levels of deprivation.

“Councils have been doing what they can to help; bringing together partners from the NHS and voluntary sector to support those who need it the most. Building on the experience of the pandemic, public health is at the forefront of each local response.

“However public health services, such as for sexual health or school nurses which are crucial in helping to relieve the pressure on our health and care system, continue to face challenging financial circumstances.

“To address this, the Government should provide long-term funding increases to public health services, which do so much to improve health outcomes in our local communities.” 

Case studies:

Walsall Council:

Walsall operates an ‘advice from next door’ approach recognising that some people need support closer to home. The Walsall Connected approach means information has moved from a central one stop shop to seven local libraries and 18 community hubs which also help people to learn how to use the internet and online services.

Newham Council:

Newham is carrying out proactive telephone winter welfare checks to reach vulnerable people who may not otherwise seek support. Newham Social Welfare Alliance which drives work on reducing poverty, has trained thousands of workers to provide brief interventions on social welfare topics such as income maximisation, debt advice and housing.

Cornwall Council:

Cornwall’s community hubs, a partnership of over 50 voluntary sector organisations, working with the NHS and the council, are providing warm spaces, activities, access to practical information on money management, energy saving and benefits entitlement, social and practical activities including cooking skills and IT and signposting to further help. A new Community Gateway service has been established for support in people’s homes if they are not able to access community hubs.