Overview

The Health Impacts (Public Sector Duty) Bill mandates that all UK public authorities consider the health impacts of their policies, aiming to improve physical and mental well-being and address health inequalities.

Description

This Bill compels public authorities to consider the health consequences of their actions. This includes:

• Improving the physical and mental health of individuals affected by their actions.
• Improving the overall physical and mental health of the nation.
• Eliminating health disparities linked to poverty, location, and protected characteristics (as defined in the Equality Act 2010).
• Promoting health equality among individuals with and without protected characteristics.
• Establishing mechanisms to monitor and report on the health impacts of their policies.
• Publishing regular assessments of these impacts.

The bill defines "health" broadly as physical and mental well-being and specifies that “public authority” excludes courts and tribunals.

Government Spending

The Bill will require government funding for the Secretary of State, government departments, and any increased spending under other acts, resulting from the implementation of the new duties. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

This bill will affect all UK public authorities, requiring them to implement new procedures and potentially leading to changes in policy. Groups disproportionately affected by health inequalities (e.g., those experiencing poverty, residing in deprived areas, or belonging to protected characteristic groups) stand to benefit from the bill's focus on reducing health disparities.

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