Wellbeing power is key to unlocking extra cash to improve health and wellbeing of communities UK

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 15 Jun 2004 - 10:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Communities would benefit from more flexible use of resources by the agencies in local strategic partnerships (LSPs). A new report, Pooling resources across sectors: a report for local strategic partnerships published by the Health Development Agency of the UK (HDA) this week highlights ways that local strategic partnerships can pool their resources in order to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities.

The report shows that flexibilities exist for NHS, local authorities, voluntary sector and the criminal justice system to combine their resources and budgets to address local priorities such as housing, transport, leisure, education, as well as social care. Local authorities in particular have greater pooling power as a result of the wellbeing power applicable across all services and functions.

This power allows local authorities to do anything that will improve social, economic and environmental wellbeing as long as the action is lawful and extends their ability to work in partnership with other bodies and provide joint service provision.

However, there is a lack of coordinated information available to LSPs about pooling resources between partners and restrictive conditions also remain in place for the use of certain funds and budgets allocated to individual agencies. At a local level, organisational, practical and cultural barriers exist that create risk aversion and uncertainty about how best to pool resources and establish effective accountability arrangements.

Commenting on the report, Antony Morgan, Head Researcher, HDA said:

"The report contains a series of fifteen case studies that show the impact of pooling resources and improved LSP functioning, improved services, and measurable local outcomes for key groups and neighbourhoods. They highlight the challenges that lie ahead with regard to both national and local issues.

"There are opportunities to make much better use of the flexibilities that are currently available to local strategic partnerships. They are still in the early stages of developing and there is enthusiasm to overcome these barriers."

The LSPs in the case studies provide examples of the impact of improved service delivery and the benefits for priority groups and areas. These include:

-- Development of an integrated service across the health and social care sector.

-- Improved access to services for older people, children and young people and offenders.

-- Improved community safety.

-- Improved skills, education and employment opportunities for key groups.

-- Increased uptake of benefits and advice services for those in poorest health and lowest incomes.

-- Improved environment/transport, housing and neighbourhood renewal initiatives.

-- Improved LSP-wide needs assessment, data analysis and community involvement.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

-- The Health Development Agency http://www.hda.nhs.uk is the national authority on what works to improve people's health and to reduce health inequalities. We work in partnership across sectors to support informed decision making at all levels and the development of effective practice.

-- The report was produced by HDA on behalf of Department of Health, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Regional Co-ordination Unit and Local Government Association.

-- The case studies include examples of LSPs in most regions in England, from both urban and rural areas. Each case study describes examples of the approach to pooling resources across the LSP. The areas are: Ashfield, Barnsley, Bolton, Bradford, Cornwall, Coventry, Croydon, Doncaster, Hertfordshire, Isle of Wight, Manchester, Nottinghamshire-Mansfield, Sheffield, Solihull, Telford and Wrekin.

For further information: Please contact James Thomson or Sophie Davison, HDA Press Office on (UK) 020 7061 3108/3125