RSPH welcomes the survey results published by the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) highlighting that many Directors of Public Health (DsPH) are concerned about the detrimental impact of funding reductions on public health. We echo the concerns of DsPH that cuts to public health funding will have serious and lasting consequences for the public’s health.

More than 3 in 4 (78%) DsPH said cuts to English Local Authority public health grants would negatively impact public health in England. They also shared concerns regarding health inequalities with 75% saying they would increase as a result of proposed cuts.

Shirley Cramer, Chief Executive RSPH said: “ADPH’s survey results highlight the extent to which there is concern about funding cuts and this concern is shared across the public health community. Directors of Public Health are well-placed to forecast the potential consequences of cuts to the health and wellbeing of people in their local communities, and the concern among DsPH should act as a wake-up call to central government. Those responsible for improving and protecting the public’s health are forecasting particularly detrimental consequences from cuts and should be carefully listened to before further funding decisions are made.

We would urge the government to be mindful of the warnings given to them by leaders in public health before cutting funding that can help to relieve pressures on the NHS and protect people’s health. Cuts in this area are remarkably short-sighted given it often takes decades for a return on investment from many public health interventions.”