Lambeth Public Health Grant Cut By £3.2m Since 2015

One of the public bodies working to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Lambeth has had their funding cut by £3.2 million since 2015.

Lambeth Council’s public health grant has been cut from £33.8 million in 2015/16 to £30.6 million in 2019/20 – the equivalent of £13 less to spend per person in the borough.

Public health institutions are responsible for the protection and improvement of health and wellbeing through the prevention of diseases and promotion of healthier lifestyles. 

On top of their public health responsibilities, councils are working to house vulnerable people, migrate risk of infections in care homes and support victims of domestic violence and mental illness during the pandemic.

Lambeth council leader Councillor Jack Hopkins wrote to the Prime Minister on April 17, urging the Government to increase its funding for local authorities during the global crisis and provide key workers with protective equipment.

He wrote: “Local government has been at the forefront of the national effort to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and to support our communities through it. 

“At a time of great crisis, Lambeth council has stepped up – keeping essential services running for all residents, providing care services for vulnerable and elderly people who are discharged from hospital, ensuring all rough sleepers have a place to stay, increasing our welfare safety net for people who lose their jobs or income, supporting businesses and delivering thousands of food and care packages for vulnerable people. 

“It is right and essential that local government has acted in this way, and we will continue to be at the frontline of the efforts to fight the virus and of the eventual recovery. But the crisis is placing a major burden on already stretched council finances.“