Minutes:
The Performance Manager submitted a report (previously circulated) providing outturn performance data against key performance indicators for 2017/18 and requested Members to consider the basket of performance indicators and schedule of performance reporting for 2018/19.
It was stated that of the five Community Services indicators reported to this Scrutiny Committee, two had achieved target for the year and performance was better than at the end of last year whilst three had not achieved target and were worse than at the end of last year.
Particular reference was made to Public Health indicators which were produced in response to the diversity of information and scale of budgets involved. Two key performance indicators reported at Quarter 4 in line with the National Reporting Schedule related to the National Child Measurement Programme.
It was further advised that 23 other Public Health indicators were reported to Scrutiny at other Quarters throughout the year.
The Assistant Director, Community Services advised Members that CUL 008a, CUL 009a and CUL 010a were based on a National Survey undertaken by Sport England and that performance was on par with other north east local authorities. It was also stated intervention work was ongoing at Red Hall and the outcomes were awaited; work was ongoing with schools and grants were providing activities for young people such as swimming lessons and Sports Days. Members were pleased to note that there were also activities in sheltered housing schemes such as Walking Football and Walking Netball.
The Public Health Portfolio Lead advised Members that in relation to PBH 020 and PBH 021 statistics had shown that 10 per cent of children aged four to five were considered to have excess weight, however, in Year 6 that had increased to 22.5 percent. The Childhood Healthy Weight Plan for Darlington provides a framework for a whole systems approach to reducing obesity and promoting a healthy weight. The plan works with partners including parents, schools and other agencies to take a whole systems approach to reducing childhood obesity. This includes focussed work with parents, schools and other settings in reducing children’s access and exposure to unhealthy foods, particularly those identified as being high in sugar, and increasing opportunities for physical activity.
Discussion and challenge ensued on the methodology to measure physical activity undertaken by everyone and the continuation of the breastfeeding programme relevant to PBH 013c.
The CDDFT representative reassured Members that breastfeeding information was given in Ante-natal classes and the Director of Public Health advised that whilst funding had been withdrawn due to austerity measures it was in the contract with CDDFT and the CCG that breastfeeding support was available.
RESOLVED – (a) That the submitted report be noted.
(b) That the proposed basket of performance indicators for 2018/19 be agreed.
(c) That the scheduled for performance reporting for 2018/19 be noted.