The Improvement Service (IS) has developed an Elected Members Briefing Series to help elected members keep pace with key issues affecting local government. The purpose of this briefing is to highlight the crucial role of elected members in reducing health inequalities and improving health. Success in reducing health inequalities and improving and protecting health and wellbeing relies on evidence informed policy, planning, practice and review.

The determinants of health: people’s local environment; housing; transport; employment; and their social and cultural interactions, can be significantly influenced by how councils deliver their core business. Elected members are responsible for setting policy and scrutinising progress based on the needs and involvement of local communities. The role provides a unique opportunity to drive change in public services to improve outcomes for local communities.

Health Inequalities and Improving Health: the Role of All Elected Members (improvementservice.org.uk)

All briefing notes in the series can be accessed at: 

Elected Member Guidance and Briefings | Improvement Service