11-10-2024
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), supported by the Health Foundation, launches a project to understand how to measure local authority spending on prevention.
The London Borough of Merton is the first to join CIPFA’s Exploring Preventative Investment in Local Government in England project, with Three Rivers District Council, West Berkshire Council, and Wigan Council set to follow in early 2025. The project aims to refine a methodology for mapping out and quantifying local authorities' preventative spending. The framework helps policymakers build a business case to prioritise long-term prevention strategies for community and financial resilience.
Prevention extends beyond health and social care to encompass the conditions that enable people to thrive, including quality housing, access to education and skills training, good quality jobs, reliable transportation, clean air, safe environments, and strong social connections with family, friends, and the community.
Despite emphasising its importance, previous administrations have not made the shift towards prevention a reality. Lord Darzi's recent report on the state of the National Health Service (NHS) highlights a need to address wider determinants of health through investment in broader public services.
CIPFA’s project supports a twin-track approach to secure simultaneous investment in acute services and long-term prevention. CIPFA urges the government to adopt this funding pathway to improve health and economic outcomes in the UK.
Owen Mapley, CIPFA Chief Executive, said:
“CIPFA and the Health Foundation’s project is a crucial step towards a preventative state – one that not only addresses immediate health needs but also safeguards long-term strategies focused on the building blocks of health.
“Councils play a central role as convenors of the interconnected services that enable local wellbeing. Despite acute financial pressures, local authorities have a unique opportunity to rethink how they allocate resources, fostering both sound public financial management and stronger, more resilient communities. Participating in CIPFA’s project will help realise this ambition.”
David Finch, Health Foundation Assistant Director, said:
“The nation’s health is fraying with improvements in life expectancy stalling, more people living with preventable health conditions, and widening inequalities in the nation’s health. Cuts to local public services have made things worse.
The new government’s focus on prevention is a positive step towards improving health and reducing inequalities. To support this, it is critical that we better understand how much is being spent on activity to support prevention at a local level.”
Councillor Peter McCabe, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, London Borough of Merton, said:
“We’re delighted to be working with CIPFA and the Health Foundation on this ground-breaking work. Prevention is a key driver of Merton’s mission to become London’s Borough of Sport, ensuring as many residents as possible lead healthy and vibrant lives for longer.”
CIPFA and the Health Foundation’s project remains open to additional councils interested in exploring their levels of preventative investment.
Notes to editor
- To participate in the project or learn more, contact CIPFA Policy Researcher on Prevention, Zachary Scott: zachary.scott@cipfa.org
- CIPFA’s Exploring Preventative Investment in Local Government in England project is part of the Health Foundation’s Healthy Lives programme. The Health Foundation is an independent charity committed to bringing about better health and care for people in the UK.
- Merton Council is on a mission to create London’s first- ever Borough of Sport.
- Read CIPFA’s response to Lord Darzi’s report on the state of the National Health Service in England: NHS Reform Must Not Compromise Other Public Services