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APH calls for public spending to relieve poverty

The government should consider the health impact of all policy and public expenditure decisions, and take decisive action to reduce or eliminate poverty, says the Association for Public Health in its recent policy statement on poverty and health.

Launching the APH policy statement, Sandra Whiles of Leicester City Council said: ‘Increasing poverty among the most deprived groups in Britain is leading to greater demands on our overstretched NHS. Every penny spent on relieving poverty helps to shorten NHS waiting lists for the benefit of everyone.’

The association has committed itself to promoting measures to combat poverty, and wants all organisations to consider the possible impact of poverty when planning their services. Its policy statement includes a checklist of practical actions which organisations can use in addressing the issue of poverty.

The APH also wants the relief of poverty to be taken seriously by government. ‘Public spending on health should not be confined to the traditionally narrow function of repairing the damage after illness has struck’, said Ms Whiles. ‘More can be done for health by relieving deprivation than by building new hospitals.’

Association for Public Health: 0171 413 1896.