The social and economic circumstances in which people live strongly influence their chances to be healthy. Factors such as housing, transport, environment, education and employment are just some of the functions of local government that influence health. 

IPH, in partnership with CAN and Nexus developed a briefing paper to support elected members of local government to ensure that the decision in which they are involved have a positive impact on health, especially the health of vulnerable groups. 

It provides councillors with information to assist in contributing to a better quality of life for constituents with healthier decision making in areas such as safer environments, increased education opportunities, better housing stock and improved public transport availability.