English Councils are frustrated over delays in announcing their funding allocations for public health responsibilities.
Local Councils will take over responsibility for public health in April 2013 and must tackle a wide range of issues including: smoking, alcohol, obesity, substance abuse and sexual health.
Work to ensure a transition is already underway but a Government announcement on public health funding allocations was cancelled in the lead up to Christmas.
Today, Duncan Selbie, head of Public Health England, has said the announcement will be delayed until 11 January - just 79 days before the public health transition.
Cllr Steve Bedser, cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Birmingham City Council , said the delay has made it difficult to comprehensively plan for the coming financial year.
He said: "This is a watershed moment in public health provision and we're ready to take on the challenges in Birmingham but we need urgent clarification of the funding that will be available.
"The announcement was frustratingly delayed in the week before Christmas but April is fast approaching and local authorities need answers now."
London Councils, a lobbying organisation promoting the interests of London's 33 Councils, today called upon the Government to ensure that the announcement on public health funding allocations is given urgent priority.
Cllr Teresa O'Neill, London Councils lead member for health and adult services said: "London's councils are working flat out to prepare for the transfer of public health in April 2013.
"Councils are already well down the path of finalising their budgets for 2013/14 and the sooner we know how much each borough will receive to carry out this vital service the better for all Londoners."
