Katherine Merrifield

Oct 31, 2024 | themj.co.uk | Katherine Merrifield

ECONOMIC GROWTH Put health at the heart of the plan A new report suggests current arrangements for devolution limit the effectiveness of action to tackle the factors that shape health, with knock-on implications for economic growth, says Katherine Merrifield. By Katherine Merrifield | 31 October 2024 SHARE N early half of England's population now live in a region with a directly elected mayor.

Oct 17, 2024 | themj.co.uk | Katherine Merrifield |Gwen Nightingale |Michael Burton |Martin Ford

It is always a delight to take a step back and celebrate the inspiring work of councils and this is why The MJ Awards has been a highlight of our work on improving health and reducing health inequalities. By sponsoring the Whole-Team Approach to Tackling Health Inequalities Award, the Health Foundation is shining a spotlight on the excellent work that continues in councils, despite very challenging financial circumstances. National government must play its role too.

Oct 11, 2024 | civilserviceworld.com | Katherine Merrifield |Alexander Evans

‘Mission’ is now a word deeply embedded in the vocabulary of policymakers and commentators across the country. According to the Institute for Government, there were no less than 52 events at the Labour party conference that included mission in their title. And many column inches since the election have been dedicated to the opportunities missions pose. But as we reach 100 days of the new government, are the missions laying the foundations for meaningful change?

Jun 11, 2024 | themj.co.uk | Katherine Merrifield |Gwen Nightingale

By Katherine Merrifield and Gwen Nightingale | 11 June 2024 The evidence of current health inequalities in England is widely known and indisputable. And there is no more opportune time to shine a light on disparities in health than in the run-up to and the months after an election. Our recent report on health inequalities in 2040 provided a sobering glimpse into the future.

Feb 19, 2024 | newstatesman.com | Gwen Nightingale |Katherine Merrifield

Conversations about health often turn to the NHS, but, if you step back and look at what makes and keeps people healthy, it is actually things like high-quality and affordable housing, access to safe, green spaces, a good education and employment. Local government is critical to delivering these building blocks of health. But the essential role that councils play in enabling people to live long and healthy lives is not reflected in their current budgets.