PAPER E

ADULT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES SELECT COMMITTEE - 27 JANUARY 2005

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES TASK GROUP UPDATE

COUNCILLOR ROGER MAZILLIUS - TASK GROUP CHAIRMAN

REASON FOR SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

At the meeting on 16 December 2004, the Select Committee requested an update from the Task Group. Its scope was to:

• Provide Members with information on adult obesity
• Investigate how the Council works with its partners to affect improvements in healthy lifestyles.
• Investigate the existing Council policy in relation to whether it encourages increased physical activity

· Investigate the work being carried out in respect to on children’s healthy living programmes.

ACTION REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE

To note the progress made by the Task Group to date.

BACKGROUND

As part of The Council’s responsibility for the Overview and Scrutiny of Health, two task groups were set up to implement the work plan for health scrutiny as a separate piece of work within the Adult and Community Services Select committee work plan. One of these Task Groups, the Healthy lifestyles Task Group was established in light of national strategy to tackle of range of public health issues, including obesity

The Task Group invited a number of stakeholders their meetings, including NHS representatives from Public Health, The Council’s Lead Officer for Healthy Schools and The Council’s Community and Development & Leisure Officer as well as those involved in community projects promoting healthy lifestyles. The Task Group also commissioned piece of work form a work experience student to look at possible ideas for how healthy lifestyles could be applied to the workplace.

The Task Group agreed on the following actions:

1. The Task Group noted that there were a number of schemes to tackle Adult Obesity including healthy eating initiatives (such as the 5-a-day scheme to demonstrate how to cook healthy meals on a small budget). In addition to these schemes, and Local Obesity Strategy is being developed and due for publication in May 2005.

2. The Task group noted the good work of the Lead Officer for Healthy Schools, particularly in assisting Island schools to achieve ‘healthy schools’ status. Members also supported the continuation of funding for the post of Lead Officer for Healthy Schools post after 2006.

3. Members heard stakeholder evidence on a scheme at Northwood Primary School whereby school children grow and sell fruit and vegetables on the school premises. Members hoped this scheme would continue and that Member Governors of other schools be encouraged to set up similar schemes within their schools.

4. For the Council to look into providing pedometers for staff who wish to use them as part of the Healthy Workforce Strategy. The Council’s Human Resources department have been informed of this initiative and work is ongoing.

5. The Task Group heard evidence from the Community Development and Leisure Officer and Members agreed to provide information on the local amenities in their area, as part of the Island-wide audit of community facilities available for activities.

6. For Members to receive further information on the activities undertaken by Public Health on smoking cessation. Representatives from Public Health will be attending the next Task Group meeting on 15^th February 2005 to discuss this issue further. Members were particularly concerned at the Government’s inaction over the effect of additives in cigarettes and the Chairman has written to the Director for Public Health specifically on this issue.

7. For members to receive the report commissioned by the Task Group into healthy lifestyles within the work place at the next meeting on 15^th February 2005.

RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

1. Isle of Wight Council. Adult and Community Development Work Plan for Health Scrutiny, which is the basis for the work carried out by the Task Group.

2. Isle of Wight Council Corporate Plan. 2001. Improving Health, housing and the quality of life for all. Isle of Wight Council.

3. Department of Health. 2001. Health and Social Care Act 2001. HMSO

4. Isle of Wight Council. The Select Committee and Review Team. 2004. Service plan 2004/05.

5. Department of Health. 2004. “Choosing Health: Making Healthier choices easier”, HMSO

CONSULTATION PROCESS

Evidence was gathered from a variety of stakeholders during the Task Group meetings, including representatives’ from the Isle of Wight Primary Care Trust’s Public Health Team, The Council’s Lead Officer for Healthy Schools, the Council’s Officer for Community Development and Leisure and a stakeholder involved with the setting up the fruit and vegetable scheme at Northwood Primary.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

None.

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

Notes of the Healthy Lifestyles Task Group.

Contact Point: Louise Biggs, Research and Scrutiny Officer, available on 01983 823768 or at [email protected]

COUNCILLOR ROGER MAZILLIUS

Chairman of the Healthy Lifestyles Task Group