The call comes as childhood obesity remains a pressing issue — 10.5% of children in reception year are now obese, marking the highest level since records began in 2006.

The Local Government Association says it has seen the Public Health Grant fall by £858m in real terms since 2015 16 and warns that voluntary measures alone aren't turning the tide.

Ahead of the budget, the LGA is asking for:

• The restoration of the Public Health Grant and a shift to multi-year settlements.

• A review of how public health funding is distributed, reflecting population change and need.

• Greater local control of revenue from the Soft Drinks Industry Levy so councils can target areas with high levels of child health inequalities.

The LGA argues these steps are essential for councils to continue local public health efforts and relieve long term pressure on the NHS.

Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor, vhair of the LGA's Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: ‘Public health is central to prevention and early intervention in health and social care, and to the successful delivery of the NHS 10-Year Plan.'

She added: 'Lasting change requires national leadership and cross-government collaboration. The ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children must be backed by sustained funding.'