Figures released today by the Department for Health shows the Conservative Government are planning a £1,114,000 cut to the public health budget in Walsall. The budget pays to help improve people’s health so there is less pressure on the NHS.

 Work undertaken by public health budgets include encouraging people to exercise more, give up smoking, drink less, come off drugs and drink and avoid sexually transmitted diseases.

 “This cut will mean that local residents are less likely to make good decisions on their health, and when they do need help it is less likely to be there for them, says Lib Dem Group Leader Councillor Ian Shires.

“Cutting the budget in the middle of the financial year means it will be really difficult to make these cuts. Liberal Democrats say these are the wrong cuts, made in the wrong way and they will end up costing the Government and the NHS more than is saved.” 

Note to editors: The Government proposals can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/449058/Cons_local_authorities_public_health_grant.pdf