Fine words, bleak outlook

Published: 24 March, 2011

• HAVING attended an Inequalities Forum in Camden last week (currently funded by the PCT), I looked up the government’s white paper on public health, which function is now restored to Camden Council responsibility. 

It would be laughable if it was not so serious. Lots of fine words about reducing the glaring social inequalities in health (an almost 10-year difference in life expectancy between different wards in Camden), stronger support for early years, more emphasis on “well-being” and prevention.  

This is to be achieved by greater “localism”, empowering local leadership (whatever that means). 

Yes, the money for the new public health service will be ring-fenced, after running cost deductions and efficiency savings have been taken into account. 

Yes, this is in the context of massive cuts to local authority budgets, in those very inner-city areas where the problems of public health are most significant (made clear in the evidence presented in the white paper).  

It is laughable that the report can talk about “giving every child in every community the best start in life” when councils are having to cut play services, children’s centres, youth clubs and careers services (not to mention lack of decent housing and unemployment). 

Preventive health care is at risk once again of becoming a Cinderella service, whatever the fine words in the white paper. 

DEIRDRE KRYMER
Camden LINk, NW1