Jo Churchill's letter to directors of public health: 4 May 2020
Published 19 June 2020
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Dear Directors of Public Health,
I am writing to add my personal thanks to those expressed recently by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, for all the hard work and dedication you and your teams have demonstrated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As local leaders of the public health system, you face unprecedented challenges. I know you are responding with great professionalism, bringing to bear your unique expertise and perspective in supporting and protecting local people, including some of the most vulnerable groups in society. I am conscious that you are working very long hours providing essential support not only for your immediate teams but also for colleagues across councils and partner organisations including the NHS, the voluntary sector and other essential front-line services.
The government is very aware of the significant pressures being managed by local authorities, including in delivering front-line public health services. That is why as part of the government’s response we announced on 18 April that we are making a further £1.6 billion available to councils to help support their efforts in keeping communities as safe as possible. Some of this funding is to maintain core public health services including sexual and reproductive health services, drug and alcohol treatment services and support for vulnerable children, young people and families in these very difficult circumstances.
Once again, I would like to express my sincere thanks to you and your teams for your continued efforts in such challenging circumstances. Your commitment and efforts are much appreciated.
Kind regards,
Jo Churchill
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care