ABSTRACT
Local councils have a wide range of powers and duties which affect the health and wellbeing of the local population. These can range from responsibility for education, housing, environmental health, planning, social care and leisure. Public health professionals have always been closely allied to local government as a particularly fruitful area of work. This chapter sets out the vision for public health in this setting, gives an overview of the health challenges to be tackled, the opportunities for health benefit, the specific roles undertaken and skills and qualifications needed to enter. It concludes with a case study from a public health professional based within a local authority.
