Healthy living budgets to go under the knife

OLDHAM’s public health budget is set to be slashed by more than a million pounds in hard hitting government cuts.

The money pays for preventative measures such as encouraging exercise, smoking and drinking less and, eating healthily, The spending is designed to minimise pressure on the NHS.

A new government consultation is proposing to cut the local authority public health budget either by a flat 6.2 per cent or based on the needs of each council. The cuts, from January, will save the government £200 million.

Councillor Jean Stretton, cabinet member for health, said: “Any cuts to a budget that is aimed at improving the health of residents would be disappointing. We’ll do all we can to minimise the impact on the borough.”

Michael Meacher, MP for Oldham West and Royton, is campaigning against the cuts, which he says will have an impact on the NHS.

He added: “Already over-stretched services will be hit hard. The cuts will leave obesity and smoking prevention services struggling to cope. It’s obvious to everyone but the Tories how these cuts will lead to further problems for the NHS.

In June, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a £3 billion savings package to reduce public debt, including £200 million from public health.