Local authorities up and down the country are set to receive funding for research into health inequalities in their local area.
The £50 million investment is hoped to tackle health issues across the country and help people - regardless of their circumstances, to lead long and healthy lives.
Research areas will include Covid recovery, mental health and substance use.
The funding arrives as part of the government’s ‘Plan for Patients’ which seeks to reduce the strain on health and care services while keeping people healthy.
Councils awarded the funding include:
Tower Hamlets Council
Newcastle City Council
Doncaster Council
Aberdeen City Council
City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Plymouth City Council
Gateshead Council
Blackpool Council
Coventry City Council
Middlesbrough Council and Redcar & Cleveland Council **
The London Borough of Lambeth
Medway Council
Islington Council
Professor Lucy Chappell, NIHR Chief Executive Officer, says:
“Millions of people living in Britain’s towns, cities and regions face a huge range of public health challenges, brought into focus during the COVID pandemic. This NIHR research funding will provide a foundation to develop local authorities’ capacity and capability to conduct high-quality research.
“It’s clear that people working in local government have the added advantage of knowing their local areas and communities. This investment will equip them to embed a lasting legacy of research culture to help local populations take important steps forward in tackling health inequalities.”
This marks the first instance where local authorities have been awarded funding for research into health inequalities and we look forward to seeing the results.
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