Agenda item

7.1

The Committee received a report of the Director of Public Health on the Public Health Strategy which had been agreed by Cabinet.  The report was presented by Louise Brewins (Head of Public Health Intelligence) who made particular reference to the Strategy’s public health focus, the adoption of the concept of Health in All Policies and the ten priorities outlined in the report.  She also directed Members to the eight ideas to develop implementation. 

7.2

Members made various comments and asked a number of questions, to which responses were provided as follows:-

·                Building Health Impact Assessments into the decision making process was one of the first things it was desired to implement.  Identifying conflicts in the process was also important.

·                It was acknowledged that there was a gap with regard to children of school age in the Strategy. 

·                All Council services would be encouraged to consider the health benefits of their actions.

·                Improving air quality ticked a number of outcomes in improving health.

·                School was an important setting for the promotion of public health, with documents being tailored to different age ranges.

·                Black and minority ethnic groups were targeted in terms of vulnerability and need.

·                Work had been undertaken in relation to sport and activity.

·                Members’ comments on smoking and drinking were noted, as were their comments on integrating public health impacts into the Scrutiny process.

·                The inclusion on reports of a tick box referring to the health impacts of decisions, was worthy of consideration.

·                Conversations were taking place as to the best way for the Senior Leadership Team to lead the Strategy.

7.3

RESOLVED: That the Committee:-

(a)       thanks Louise Brewins for her contribution to the meeting;

(b)       notes the contents of the report and the responses to Members’ questions and comments;

(c)        welcomes the Public Health Strategy in its promotion of public health in the City; and

(d)       requests that Committee Members e-mail their preferences in relation to the ten priorities listed in the report to the Policy and Improvement Officer.