BMA calls for action on public health funding gap

The British Medical Association (BMA) has urged the government to increase its investment in public health in order to eliminate the variations in resource allocation seen across the country.

Since local authorities assumed responsibility for public health spending, discrepancies in the amounts that different regions are allocated have persisted, ranging from 20 pounds per head in Surrey to 192 pounds per head in the City of London.

The BMA has warned that these funding gaps could lead to reduced life expectancy, poorer general health and a greater burden on NHS services for preventable health issues, while efforts to tackle challenges such as obesity, tobacco and alcohol and drug misuse will be undermined.

Dr Stephen Watkins from the BMA's public health medicine committee said: "Additional investment is required to deliver government aspirations to improve health and to improve the health of the poorest fastest."

This comes after the association raised concerns earlier this month that new government lobbying proposals lack clarity on key issues, meaning they could potentially impact campaigning on public health issues.