The £31.5m of Government money that has been earmarked to improve public health in the Bradford district represents an excellent opportunity to reduce NHS spending if it is spent wisely.

A huge amount is spent locally tackling the impact of so-called ‘lifestyle diseases’ like smoking, drinking and obesity.

Some might say that all of these activities represent personal choices, and why should public funds be spent helping people to cut back on the habits that hit their health hardest?

But the simple fact is that treating illnesses and other medical problems resulting from alcohol, cigarettes and over-eating represents an incredible drain on the resources of our health service, both locally and nationally.

Prevention is obviously much better than cure, and if this investment helps tackle at least some health problems before they take hold, then it will be money will spent.

However, targeting the spending in the right areas will be crucial, and those involved in allocating the funding must look very closely at the impact of any measures put forward.

We have to find a way to educate people of the dangers of poor health, to help them make informed choices that will make a huge difference to their lifestyle and to their children’s lifestyles.

Yes, individuals should also take responsibility for their own actions, and we all need to be aware of what those actions may cost us all not just in health terms, but as a cumulative financial impact on central funds at a time of austerity.

But we also need to focus on educating people, particularly young people, about the importance of looking after their health, their families’ health and, ultimately, the health of our National Health Service.