Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Director, Community Services

The Assistant Director – Community Services submitted a report (previously circulated) updating Members on the outcome of the review of Darlington’s Physical Activity Strategy (also previously circulated) which was due for renewal in 2025.

The submitted report stated that the strategy had been approved by the Health and Wellbeing Board on 5 December 2024; the purpose of the strategy was to improve participation and engagement in sports and physical activity; the strategy was key to support the Council Plan and its objectives aligned with the Council’s priorities; and a further review of the strategy would be carried out in tandem with the Council Plan review in 2027.

It was reported that around one in three men and one in two women were not achieving recommended levels of activity for good health; most recent Darlington data showed that 18.1 per cent of the population were inactive, which was lower than regional neighbours but higher than the national average; and that adults should be aiming for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

Members were informed that a collaborative review of the Physical Activity Strategy was agreed with Public Health and Leisure Services to respond to changes in environments and behaviours which had been amplified following the pandemic; as part of the review a self-assessment was conducted using 8 themes along with a roadshow of consultation workshops with over 100 stakeholders and the public. Members noted that an action plan detailing short, medium and long term actions had been developed from the outcomes of the workshops.

Discussion ensued regarding funding and the need for a focus on economically challenged areas with Members noting that work was underway to secure additional funding for a place based initiative; and reference was made to the importance of multi-agency input. Members were informed that Make Every Contact Count training was being rolled out to staff, including those in the community.

Questions were raised in relation to the perception of recommended activity levels and Members noted that physical activity extended beyond sport. Further discussion ensued regarding the use of green spaces in Darlington.

Members entered into a discussion regarding physical activity in schools; reference was made to the challenges associated with the move from Primary to Secondary education; and Members noted there were a range of school sporting activities including Darlington School Games.

Members highlighted the importance of engaging and supporting ethnic minorities to be more active and the Cabinet Member for Health and Housing suggested amendments to the vision, mission and aims of the strategy to ensure there was a key focus on tackling inequality.

RESOLVED – (a) That Members provide further comments on the Physical Activity Strategy 2025-2035 by 5 March 2025.

(b) That Members request that consideration be given to the inclusion of ‘Physical Activity Strategy’ in all reports.