Policy Hub
On 5 January 2010, the Improvement and Development Agency for local government (IDeA) published a literature review which summarises the available evidence and research conducted on the financial and non-financial impact of health improvement activity.
The review highlights the need for a greater focus on the financial impact of health improvement activity on local government services. It suggests that 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 a reasonable cost, this approach is likely to be less expensive than treating problems when they occur. For instance, working with older people to maintain their health and independence will reduce social services costs as well as improving outcomes for residents. Council priorities are more likely to be addressed if the health of the community improves. This includes educational attainment, economic prosperity and creating sustainable, cohesive communities.