Overview

This bill mandates that all UK public authorities consider the health impacts of their policies, aiming to improve both physical and mental well-being across the nation and eliminate health inequalities linked to poverty, geography, or protected characteristics (as defined by the Equality Act 2010).

Description

The Health Impacts (Public Sector Duty) Bill requires public authorities to:

• Consider health impacts: In all their actions, account for the impact on the physical and mental health of those affected, and the nation as a whole.
• Address health inequalities: Eliminate health disparities based on poverty, location, and protected characteristics (e.g., race, religion, disability).
• Take action to improve health: Actively remove or minimize health disadvantages and meet the specific health needs of groups facing inequalities.
• Implement mechanisms and reporting: Establish systems to ensure compliance and publish regular assessments of their policies' health effects.

The bill defines "health" broadly and specifies "public authority" as any public body under the Human Rights Act 1998, excluding courts and tribunals.

Government Spending

The bill will require government funding for:

• Expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State or government departments in implementing the Act.
• Any increase in spending under other Acts resulting from this Act's implementation. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

This bill will impact a wide range of groups, including:

• Public authorities: All UK public bodies (excluding courts and tribunals) will be required to change their processes to meet the new requirements.
• Individuals and communities: Those in disadvantaged groups (based on poverty, location, or protected characteristics) could see improved health outcomes as a result of the bill's implementation.
• Health professionals: These professionals may be involved in assessing health impacts and providing advice to public authorities.

Powered by nyModel