Health inequalities are causing enormous harm and suffering to individuals and communities across the UK. More than one million people in England died prematurely in the decade after 2011. Diseases that were prevalent during the earliest days of our organisation have returned. There are 4.3 million children growing up in poverty in the UK.

But it doesn’t have to be that way; fairer and more equal nations are healthier nations. Tackling the wider drivers of and preventing ill health should be at the centre of the next governments agenda.

We have secured the greatest impact on the nation’s health when we have been innovative and bold. The next government should not shy away from taking radical action when needed to tackle entrenched barriers to creating a healthy nation. They can do this by focussing on those facing the greatest inequalities to gain the greatest benefit.

The solutions exist, which is why we believe the next government should invest in these preventative services and policies that will help to unlock future prosperity.

Investing in the Public Health Grant

All parties agree that prevention is critical to a better future. However, the Public Health Grant has been cut by 26% (nearly £1bn). This has been felt especially hard in more deprived areas. At the time we need prevention the most we lack the resources to help. We know what solutions work, but we need to invest in prevention to be able to improve the health of the nation. Investing in public health is investing in a healthier future.

Rebuilding public services as a key part of our national infrastructure and resilience will be critical to getting Britain back on its feet and stronger for the future. This starts with giving local councils the resources they need. Investing in the Public Health Grant to prioritise prevention services locally can yield significant benefits.

A healthier future for the next generation

In addition to local action, bold changes to national policy can ensure that we prioritise our future. Millions of children in the UK are growing up in poverty, which is a key driver of ill health. Lifting the two-child benefit cap would make an immediate and tangible impact by helping hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty.

Eradicating child poverty in the UK needs to be an urgent and ultimate priority for the next government. That’s why we’re backing the Child Poverty Action Group’s call for a national child poverty strategy to ensure that action is taken across all levels of government, and reporting measures are put in place to track progress on reducing child poverty.

We need to expand access to nutritious food for primary and secondary school children through the Free School Meal Programme (FSM), National School Breakfast Programme, and the Healthy Start Voucher scheme.

Smoking kills up to two in three long-term users. Protecting the next generation from the dangers of tobacco is vital to building a healthier nation. The planned Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which RSPH actively campaigned for as part of the Smokefree Action Coalition, has widespread political support and would make the UK a world leader by creating a smokefree generation. The planned legislation needs to be fully implemented by the next government.

Strengthening regulation to reduce harm

The most effective public health interventions have prevention at their core. Alcohol remains one of the biggest risk factors for preventable diseases. There are a range of public health interventions that the next government could introduce to help minimise alcohol-related harm. These include measures like Minimum Unit Pricing and empowering local leaders to restrict advertising as called for by the Alcohol Health Alliance, of which RSPH is a member.

Consistent polling and evidence shows that the public want to make healthier choices. However, the cheapest and most convenient options are nearly always the unhealthiest. We are limited by our current food environment. In the context of the cost-of-living crisis and other socio-economic pressures this means that food that is high in salt and sugar is often more affordable and easily available. We need to build a food system where the opposite is the case.

Putting our health at the heart of policy

Given the fundamental importance of tackling health inequalities, there must be strong personal leadership from the next Prime Minister, underpinned by bold action across government to address the economic and social determinants of health.

The next government should ensure that policymaking at a national, regional and local level always takes account of the impact on health, with rigorous use of health impact assessments. The Health Foundation’s ‘health in all policies’ approach will help ensure a joined-up approach across key areas, including planning, housing, education, employment, early years, child poverty, transport, food policy and access to physical activities.