Brent Council's cabinet member for health has spoken out about the announcement of £200m of cuts to public health funding.

Announced on Friday (June 5), by Chancellor George Osborne, the cuts are measures to "bring down public debt”.

Brent councillor Krupesh Hirani said: "The £200m of cuts to Public Health funding across the UK is very disappointing news and sends out the wrong message completely.

"Brent Council Public Health services play a vital role in helping people improve their health. Last year, 9,000 people received a health check, funded by Brent Council, and as a result more than 300 people found they had high blood pressure and nearly 200 were found to have undiagnosed diabetes.

"Further cuts to these services will store up health problems for people and put unnecessary additional pressure on already over-stretched hospital and GP services and will cost the NHS more in the long run."

Local authorities have been responsible for public health since 2012, after transferring from the NHS.

"The government faces an ever-rising bill for cancer treatment - up from £280m to £340m next year.

"But when it comes to the council services that can save lives and taxpayers' money by preventing cancer in the first place - like support to quit smoking - the government pleads poverty.

"Brent Council has already had to deliver £54m of cuts due to a reduction in central government funding. A further cut in funding will puts the council and our residents under even more strain."