Economic tool could help cities prioritize public health in urban development
Senior urban development decision-makers have revealed there is currently little incentive to consider public health impacts when shaping towns and cities, according to a new study published in Evidence & Policy that highlights the potential of an innovative economic valuation tool to address the problem.
The article from Medical Xpress highlights a new study that explores the potential of an economic valuation tool, called the Health Appraisal for Urban Systems (HAUS), to help cities prioritize public health in urban development. The study, co-authored by researchers from the University of East London, University of Bath, and University of Bristol, found that local authorities and planning departments currently lack incentives to consider public health impacts when shaping towns and cities.
HAUS quantifies and monetizes changes in disease occurrence and premature mortality linked to various urban development interventions, enabling decision-makers to better understand the long-term value of healthier urban environments. The tool has been adopted by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in its appraisal guides for local authorities.
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