Agenda item

Report of the Director of Public Health

The Director of Public Health submitted a report (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the draft Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS) (also previously circulated).

The submitted report stated that the JLHWS sets out the local priorities for improving the health and wellbeing of the population of Darlington; sets out the vision that Darlington is a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and live well; and has adopted a life course approach with the themes of Best Start in Life – Children and Young People, Staying Healthy – Living Well and Staying Healthy – Ageing Well, with an additional theme of Healthy Places in recognition of the importance of taking action to address the wider determinants of health.

It was reported that the development of the strategy had been informed by the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) and a series of workshops with members of the Health and Wellbeing Board and wider partners.

Reference was made to the overarching priorities for each theme in the JLHWS; and it was reported that the JLHWS alongside the JSNA and local intelligence, would support a regular process of assessing need and agreeing actions to meet the identified needs. Members were informed that feedback on the JLHWS would be considered collectively as part of the consultation process. It was agreed it would be helpful to further strengthen detail on wider determinants of health within the strategy.

Discussion ensued regarding the additional theme of Healthy Places and the importance of addressing wider determinants of health. Following concerns raised, the Director of Public Health informed Members that Public Health have input into planning applications via the health impact assessment requirement, but there was more which could be included and nationally the planning framework and regulations were under review.

Members queried need for the Life Course Data Map within the strategy and were provided with details as to what this would capture.

RESOLVED – (a) That the draft Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy be received.

(b) That the contents of the draft Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, including the overarching priorities identified to improve the health and wellbeing of the population of Darlington, be noted.

(c) That Members suggest any changes required to the content of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy to the Director of Public Health by 8 November 2024.