| Government announces 'healthy towns' bidding | Posted on 10/06/2008 in Medical Government/ NHS related news The Department of Health has announced that all towns in England will be able to bid for funds to make their inhabitants more active and healthy.
As part of the Healthy Communities Challenge Fund programme, towns will be asked to come up with novel methods of boosting the health of citizens and have the chance to bid for up to five million pounds in funding.
Ideas could include the provision of local healthy food initiatives, the promotion of walking as a means of travel or increase in the number of cycle lanes.
Ben Bradshaw, health minister, said: "Every area in England can now bid to become a healthy town. I want to see some really innovative ideas which will help tackle our nation's weight problem.
"I hope that local authorities and PCTs will take ownership of the challenge of obesity in their areas and work towards making their communities healthier places for everyone."
He added that dealing with obesity is the most significant public and personal health challenge in our society, noting that while the problems of overeating and underexercising are simple, the solution is more complex.
Earlier this week, Diabetes UK warned that rising obesity levels could result in soaring diabetes levels.
It forecast that over four million people could have the condition by 2025, nearly double the current figure of 2.3 million in the UK.Other news stories from 10/06/2008
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