ADPH statement on the Budget 2017. This was released on 2 March 2017.

“Failing to invest in prevention is counter-productive

First and foremost, we continue to stress that investing in public health is vital for relieving the pressures on both NHS and social care budgets and making broad societal returns on investments in the long-term. The Five Year Forward view cannot be delivered without increased focus on, and investment in, prevention and public health.

This point is of particular importance given that the Local Government Finance Bill, which introduces the system of retention of 100% of business rate revenue to local government, is progressing through Parliament and the ring-fence on the public health grant is set to be removed in 2018/19. The system of redistribution needs to be fair and robust so that health inequalities are not worsened.

Action is needed on alcohol pricing

We support the findings of the recent evidence review of alcohol policy by Public Health England which concludes that reducing the affordability of alcohol is the most effective ……………….”