The Government published details of its public health framework this week in connection with its health white paper. The changes, which will only be fully approved when the health bill is enacted, include the identifying of 66 indicators for public health that local authorities will be judged on.

From April 2013, councils will be given a ring-fenced budget of around £5.2b (based on 2012/13 funding), and will be given freedom to spend it according to the needs of their population.

Three main indicators of the 66 are connected specifically to sport: 'Physical Activity Indicator' (meansured by Sport England's Active People Survey), 'Utilization of Greenspace for exercise/health' (measured by Natural England Monitoring Engagement with the Natural Environment Survey), and 'Excess weight in adults (measured nationally by Health Survey for England, soon to be self reported height and weight via APS).

As well as these indicators and the ring-fenced budget, the Health Secretary also confirmed a further £2m for Change for Life School Sports clubs, totalling an investment of £8.4m until 2015.

For more information, see here: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/01/future-for-public-health/