Zachary Scott, Policy Researcher, Prevention
Despite countless debates on public service reform, one thing is clear: a preventative approach is no longer just a good idea—it’s essential for the future of public services.
The conversation around prevention often gets stuck in the realm of health and social care, but it extends far beyond that. Prevention is about creating the conditions where problems are less likely to arise in the first place, whether that’s promoting better life outcomes through quality education and skills training, improving mental health by fostering a sense of belonging in our communities, or guaranteeing access to secure and affordable homes.
Across the four nations, despite differences in systems and structures, the obstacles to embedding a preventative approach in all policies are remarkably similar. Scotland’s Auditor General, Stephen Boyle, recently emphasised that successful public sector reform requires shrewd governance, clear goals, and effective leadership. Without these, efforts to shift towards prevention are likely to stumble.
This is a common challenge across the UK, where local authorities are often caught in a bind. On one hand, they’re asked to deal with immediate crises—from social care emergencies to housing shortages. On the other, they’re expected to invest in long-term prevention, despite tight budgets and political pressures that often favour short-term fixes. It’s a difficult balancing act. Yet, sticking with a reactive model is a false economy, and the potential costs of not investing in prevention are steep.
At CIPFA, we believe that prevention should be at the core of public financial management. This requires a shift in mindset—from viewing prevention as an added cost to recognising it as a smart, essential investment in health as an asset. So, where do we begin?
To plan effectively for the future, understanding our current situation is essential. That’s why CIPFA, with support from the Health Foundation, is working to quantify preventative investment in local government. This effort aims to enhance transparency and accountability in how limited council resources are allocated, providing a clearer picture of our current state and strengthening the evidence base for investing in prevention.
To advance this conversation, CIPFA is hosting a webinar entitled Exploring prevention across the UK on September 18 from 13.00 to 15.45. This event will bring together experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of embedding prevention into public service delivery. It’s a chance to share insights, develop strategies, and ultimately, to build the momentum needed to turn good intentions into tangible results.