Legislating on loneliness—limitless, or lonesome?

Table of contents

• Original news
• What is the context of this strategy being introduced?
• What are some of the key aspects of this strategy?
• Who does the government envisage are going to be involved in implementing the strategy and, most importantly, fund it? Is this coming from existing budgets from local authorities, or from charities?
• What are some of the potential ethical issues surrounding the social prescription aspect of the strategy? How can the government overcome these effectively?
• What other steps are the government considering combatting loneliness?

Article summary

Local Government analysis: Olwen Dutton, partner at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP, discusses the key aspects of the government’s loneliness strategy. Dutton also considers any potential ethical issues stemming from the social prescription aspect of the strategy, whereby GPs will be able to refer patients who are experiencing loneliness to community activities and voluntary services.