Valuing health: business case literature review

Via I&DeA...

There is a strong moral argument for local authorities and their partners to work to improve the health of their communities and to reduce health inequalities. But investing in preventative public health also makes sound business sense.

The business case for health improvement rests on the difference between prevention and cure. Where it is possible to prevent problems, or reduce their likelihood at reasonable cost, this will be less expensive than treating problems when they occur.

For example, working with older people to maintain their health and independence will reduce social services costs as well as improve outcomes for residents. Furthermore, many council priorities are more likely to be achieved if the health of the community improves. This includes educational attainment, economic prosperity and creating sustainable, cohesive communities.

The Healthy Communities programme has produced a literature review that summarises the available evidence and research on the financial and non-financial impact of health improvement activity. This review highlights the need for a greater focus on the financial impact of health improvement activity on local government services. But it indicate that there are a number of areas where local authorities could expect to make efficiency savings. These include older people’s health and independence, workforce health and climate change and sustainability.

This is an area of untapped potential. The Healthy Communities programme plans to support the sector to understand where efficiency savings can be achieved and how to realise them. We are currently looking for local authorities and partnerships to work with us and trial the application of this theory in practice.