Story perspectives

£1.8 Million Misused in Public Health Grant Spending

2/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

An independent review commissioned by the council in 2024 found £1.8 million potential ineligible spending of public health grant funds.
Worby stated some departments misused the allocation for health-improvement initiatives like smoking cessation and exercise programs.
The government confirmed the misspending was unintentional and the council has tightened controls to ensure proper use.
The public health grant is ringfenced and must be spent under the National Health Service Act 2006.

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Story summary

An independent review commissioned by the council in 2024 found £1.8 million potential ineligible spending of public health grant funds.
Worby stated some departments misused the allocation for health-improvement initiatives like smoking cessation and exercise programs.
The government confirmed the misspending was unintentional and the council has tightened controls to ensure proper use.
The public health grant is ringfenced and must be spent under the National Health Service Act 2006.