Government sets out plans for Public Health England

The government has revealed plans to shift the responsibility for the nation's health from the NHS to local authorities.

Published today (November 30th), the new health white paper said a ring-fenced funding pot of at least £4 billion will be handed over for tackling public health issues such as smoking, obesity and alcohol abuse.

Part of this money will be spent by local councils and the rest will be used by Public Health England, a new central body set up within the Department of Health.

This organisation will be responsible for overseeing national health programmes and coordinating the response to flu pandemics and other outbreaks.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley said the public health budget will no longer be "raided" by the NHS to cover deficits.

He added: "The money will be ring-fenced to be used as it should be – for preventing ill health. People's health and wellbeing will be at the heart of everything local councils do."

BBC News noted that the ring-fencing of the health budget represents the first time this money has been protected since the 1800s.