Improved health levels in local communities could result in councils receiving a cash incentive.

This is one part of the new government initiative, which is handing the responsibility of caring for the health and wellbeing of residents to local authorities.

Set to be introduced from April 2013, the scheme will share around £5.3 billion between councils, which will each receive a ring-fenced budget from the cash pot.

The government has also set goals by which results will be measured against, including people weighing less, fewer under-fives suffering tooth decay and reduced number of people smoking, or dying from heart disease or stroke.

"Every area of the country is different so councils will be able to decide what the most important public health concern is for them and spend the money appropriately," said Andrew Lansley the health secretary, speaking at the Royal Society for Public Health.

Pharmacists could also be called upon to do their bit, while they may wish to get behind the government's latest initiative - a bowel cancer awareness campaign.

Launching on January 30th, the Department of Health programme will consist of factsheets being provided to dispensing doctors and a set of television and radio advertisements.

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