Public Health White Paper

Julian Smith Excerpts

Tuesday 30th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Lansley]

We will publish a consultation on the outcomes framework soon, but smoking cessation and the absence of initiation into smoking are clearly very important. Smoking is still the single largest avoidable cause of early mortality, and we must try to reduce further the prevalence of smoking. It has not been reduced in the last couple of years, and we need to reduce it.

[Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)]

May I urge the Secretary of State to ensure that councils serving very rural communities do not lose out under the new regime?

[Mr Lansley]

All councils will be supported to develop health improvement strategies. When we come to publish the consultation on the funding of the public health budget, that will set out how, in addition to the resources used nationally, there will be significant resources in a ring-fenced budget for local authorities. Because of the nature of the health premium, that budget will be significantly weighted towards areas of greatest disadvantage and poorest health outcomes.