
FSRH consultation response: DHSC call for evidence on local authority public health prescribed activity
File size 317KB | Date: 24 April 2018
Date: 25 Apr 2018
Type: FSRH Consultation Responses
In its response to a call for evidence launched by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on the impact of local authority public health prescribed activity, FSRH called on DHSC to strengthen the SRH mandate by improving its guiding principles, amending the regulations and enhancing accountability.
It is now over four years since public health duties transferred back to local authorities (LAs). The 2012 Health & Social Care Act allows the Secretary of State (SoS) to make regulations requiring LAs to take particular steps to improve or protect health – what is called ‘prescribed’ activity. Through this consultation, the Government wants to take stock of whether the current arrangements set out in the regulations will be fit for purpose in the future. The Department wants to gather evidence on the impact of these regulations have had in practice.
This consultation is particularly relevant given the announcement in December 2017 that the Government intends to replace the ring-fenced public health grant with local authorities’ own business rates retention funding from 2020.
When it comes to SRH, LAs’ prescribed activity functions outlined in the regulations concern the provision of contraceptive services, including ensuring access and the provision of advice on contraceptive methods, unplanned pregnancies and preliminary information on sterilisation and vasectomy. The regulations also specify that LAs should provide care for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including partner notification.
FSRH called on DHSC to strengthen the SRH mandate by improving the principles that guide the mandate and amending the regulations. Our main recommendations are as follows:
You can download FSRH’s response, which includes a complete summary of recommendations, below.