Commenting on the release of the government’s green paper on preventable ill-health, George McNamara, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age, said:
“It is a great shame that these proposals have become mired in the political squabbling ahead of a new Prime Minister and pushed out without giving the political prominence and weighting that is needed if the government is serious about preventing ill-health.
“Preventing ill-health is absolutely vital for us as a country to ensure our wellbeing and prosperity – not least to ensure that all of us have the opportunity to age well and enjoy later life. This has been recognised by the NHS, which has put prevention at the core of its Long Term Plan. Yet these proposals from the government represent a shopping list of half-complete ideas, many of which still require further detail and development, rather than an ambitious programme to improve the health of our nation.”
“Increasing health inequalities are having a detrimental impact on the quality of many people in later life, which in many cases can be avoided with lifestyle changes, particularly in mid-life. We cannot underestimate the importance and benefits of extending years of good quality life to the individual, society and government and decisive action is required on all fronts.
“The new Prime Minister must revisit these proposals and raise their ambition and boldness, as well commit to a widespread renewal of investment in public health.”