Public health reform

The government today announces radical changes to the way it deals with public health issues.

NHS staff will be transferred to local government to deal with the root causes of entrenched issues of alcoholism, obesity and smoking.

Specific issues such as the branding of cigarettes will go under public consultation, but the health secretary will announce a series of measures designed to promote "personal responsibility".

Critics argue that increased government intervention on public health is unlikely to produce results, however.

The public health white paper unveiled today will also create a body designed to oversee reduction of health inequality, with additional cash funnelled to deprived areas.