The RSA in association with the Smith Institute will launch a collection of essays addressing connections between healthcare, planning and economic development. Better integration of the new planning and healthcare systems is seen as critical to creating prosperous and sustainable communities.
According to the 2010 Marmot Review there is not only a strong social justice case for reducing health inequalities, but also a compelling economic case. Failing to plan for growth and for an ageing society carries a huge cost to the nation.
Furthermore, local councils are taking more of a place-based approach to improving health and wellbeing, with a renewed emphasis on preventative action and integration between health, planning, housing, transport, and economic development.
The report features contributions from leading UK policy makers and practitioners, asking if the new architecture (such as the LEPs, Health and Wellbeing boards, and National Planning Policy Framework) alongside funding and commissioning systems can deliver real and lasting improvements; and what more should be done to strengthen the links between planning, public health, housing, and regeneration?
The report is available here.