This volume provides a new and innovative overview of the key debates relating to public health policy in the UK and sets out the policy implications for the future, offering a way forward based on the concept of managing for health. ∗ A timely and innovative overview of the key debates relating to public health policy in the UK. ∗ explains that health–care services are not the principal determinants of health, and asks why, therefore, they absorb the bulk of resources and attention of policy–makers. ∗ Argues that a paradigm shift is needed if current health policy biases are to be confronted. ∗ Uses examples from Europe and Canada, where a similar policy imbalance exists. ∗ Sets out the policy implications for the future and offers a way forward based on the concept of managing for health.