Local Authorities: Public Health Budget Debate
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Baroness Walmsley
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Local Authorities: Public Health Budget
Baroness Walmsley Excerpts(9 years, 4 months ago)
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Lord Prior of Brampton
My Lords, I am hesitant to disagree with the noble Lord in view of the fact that he told me earlier that he qualified as a doctor in 1945, which was nine years before I was born. However, the devolution of responsibility to local authorities has been fairly universally welcomed. They are better able to take into account local priorities. I should also add that just over £2 billion of the public health budget is held centrally as well.
Baroness Walmsley (LD)
My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that many of the local authorities commission these important prevention services from NHS providers? Has any impact assessment been made of the effect on the NHS of this loss of income?
Lord Prior of Brampton
I think that the noble Baroness will know that we are due to go out to consultation on this matter, and that is an important issue that will be taken into consideration.