Chapter 11
Next Steps
Continuing to transform services across Liverpool.
Our transformation programmes in sexual health, addictions, 0–19 services, tobacco control, infection prevention and control, and healthy weight have led to clear gains in health outcomes. These changes mean easier access to sexual health care, stronger support for people with addictions, better early years and family health, lower smoking rates, fewer infection risks, and healthier lifestyles in our communities.
We will use lessons from these successes to keep improving, adding best practice and new ideas to service design. Through sector-led improvement, we compare performance, share learning, set key steps that raise quality and fairness across all services with community voice at their heart. This joint approach ensures we have services that provide value for money and help us stay ready for new needs and deliver lasting health benefits for everyone.
Despite all this positive work, health and wellbeing in Liverpool remain a challenge. We need to continue working hard to tackle new public health issues, close longstanding gaps in health, and direct support to the communities that need it most. This includes work beyond service transformation—partnering with others to strengthen Marmot principles, boost screening and immunisation rates, and address the wider factors that shape people’s health. These priorities guide our longterm strategy.
Recommendations for 2026
Overarching recommendations
Deliver the service specific recommendations highlighted in each chapter of this report.
Ensure we continue to procure services that provide the best outcomes for our residents and represent value for money.
Through a sector led improvement and an evidence based, data driven approach, we will continue to review the quality of our services and drive improvements through innovation.
We will ensure community voice is at the core of the services we deliver.
Feedback on Public Health Annual Report 2024 recommendations
Below is an update based on recommendations outlined in the 2024 Public Health Annual Report. The Health is 2040 report also considers this work. Work in these areas will continue to progress because of this further consideration and new recommendations.
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Ensure Liverpool 2040 is a catalyst for change
Progress:
The 2040 report has been well received and is being used as the basis for some of the amazing work happening in the city.For example, we have launched our tobacco reduction strategy, designed to help reduce the burden that tobacco and smoking place on this city. The Liverpool Women’s Health strategy will also shortly be launched.
The health 2040 report has really helped shape the overarching city plan as well, so the ripple effect of the report has been good. An annual report highlighting progress against health 2040 is presented to full council with the next one due to be presented in March 2026.
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Make the case for National Government support – Health in all policies, fair funding and greater devolved powers
Progress:
The 2040 report sets out key asks of national government to enable local action at the scale and pace of change that is required. We continue to work with partners including the Liverpool Combined Authority to highlight these needs. -
Liverpool to be a Healthier and Fairer City (Marmot principles)
Progress:
In April 2025, Liverpool was awarded Marmot City Status by Professor Sir Michael Marmot, recognising our city’s strong and sustained commitment to tackling health inequalities. The FHL Partnership leads Liverpool’s Marmot approach, embedding Marmot Principles across local policies, services, and strategies. A dedicated website is now live: fairerhealthierliverpool.org featuring case studies, updates, and the April 2025 FHL Report. -
Ensure an ethos of evidence-based, data driven approaches and evaluation of impact
Progress:
Evidence-based, data driven approaches are at the centre of everything we do in Public Health. In addition we are continuing to develop and deliver our Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) programme which is a £5 million partnership project researching social determinants of health to inform policy and reduce inequalities.
