The UK’s local Government Association (LGA) has called on the government and NHS to partner more closely with councils to shape a modern health and care system rooted in prevention and community wellbeing, not just hospitals and crisis intervention.
Speaking ahead of the launch of the NHS 10-Year Plan, the LGA said councils have a unique role in supporting public health through clean air, housing, education and early years provision, but have been sidelined in key reforms and funding decisions. Local leaders are urging greater collaboration to tackle long-term health challenges and reduce inequality.
More than 1,700 councillors, officers, and organisations gathered in Liverpool for the LGA’s Annual Conference on July 1 to debate the future of public health and care. The LGA welcomed the plan’s commitment to neighbourhood care and digital transformation but stressed that these must be co-designed with local government.
Councils back the plan’s focus on prevention and community-based models and are calling for a new national-local coalition to support place-based services. The LGA warned that without urgent action on adult social care funding and integration, the plan’s ambitions will fall short.
It also called for priority investment in children’s health, safeguarding, SEND provision, and joint digital infrastructure between councils and NHS partners.
