29 March 2002
However, collaboration is being hindered by the fragmentation of health-related functions across council departments, the voluntary sector and the NHS.
While local authorities could influence many of the determinants of ill-health – such as housing, environment, regeneration and education – the capital's 30 PCTs also had a role to play.
PCTs will take over many of the public health functions of health authorities, but very little discussion of the future organisation of public health has taken place.
King's Fund fellow Penny Banks said collaboration between local NHS bodies and councils in many fields had been impeded by a number of factors, including lack of resources.
'Financial pressures on both sides are undermining the development of partnerships and in some areas these pressures are tempting partners to slope off their responsibilities to the other,' she added.
PFmar2002
