MP warns Edmonton will lose out in public health funding (From Enfield Independent)

Public health funding not thought through by government says Edmonton MP Andy Love

11:38am Friday 15th March 2013 in News By Bruce Thain

An MP says Edmonton will lose out to wealthier boroughs in public health funding when responsibility is transferred to the council.

Andy Love MP fears Edmonton will miss out on key services as wealthier areas of the capital will receive more funding than Enfield.

Enfield Borough Council will take over management of public health from April this year and each authority will receive a ring-fenced grant to pay for staff and services.

According to Government figures, City of London Council will receive £192 per head as part of its public health budget, whereas Enfield will receive £40 per head.

Mr Love said: “While I do not agree with a lot in the Health and Social Care Bill, I do think that giving local councils responsibility for public health was the right thing to do.

“However, the Government has not thought this through, especially around funding, and we face a situation where councils with the highest need will receive far, far less than wealthy councils with healthier residents.

“In a constituency like mine, where the rates of heart disease and death by treatable illnesses are very high, we need more resources than will be available to increase wellbeing.

“With this level of underfunding, public health could be a ticking time-bomb and I’m not sure how local partnerships will be able to provide the essential services we need.”