The NSMC has responded to the government's consultation on the public health white paper.

In a joint response with Strategic Social Marketing, NSMC director John Bromley welcomes undertakings to address the root causes of poor health and wellbeing, and support those who are most in need. However, he expresses concern about the neglect of effective behavioural change strategies, which are needed to reduce both demand on services and the disturbing statistics on smoking and obesity prevalence.

The NSMC's Advisory Group on the Evaluation of Value for Money in Behaviour Change - chaired by Dr Fiona Adshead - has made a separate, related response. It calls for a connection between central research and policy initiatives and the local planning and evaluation of behaviour change interventions.