RTPI gives evidence to MPs on planning and health issues

Richard Blyth, RTPI's Head of Policy and Practice, gave evidence today (26 November) to the influential Communities and Local Government Select Committee on the role of local authorities in health issues.

An audio recording of the session can be heard here.

RTPI's evidence to the Committee can be read here.

Executive Summary of RTPI's evidence

• Health improvements will not be achieved by improvements in just one part of the system alone, and a whole-system approach to health issues must be adopted.
• A holistic approach to measuring improvements in health issues needs to be introduced across local and national government.
• Vital that strategies prepared by health and wellbeing boards are fully taken into account into the commissioning plans of clinical commissioning groups.
• Good planning for health services with community involvement can help improve mental health and wellbeing of members of that community, and help to promote community cohesion, which will in turn help to reduce crime rates.
• Health services, when planned into town and district centres, will act as a springboard for the wider economic regeneration of an area.

Richard Blyth (pictured above) gave evidence alongside Caroline Abrahams, Director of External Affairs, Age UK,  Andy Murdock, External Relations and Policy Director, Celesio UK and Paul Woodward, Chief Executive, Sue Ryder.