Issue - meetings

Item CB 20/11 referred from Cabinet minutes of 13 February 2020

Item CB 20/11 referred from Cabinet minutes of 13 February 2020 

RESOLVED:  That the recommendations at Minute CB 20/11 be approved.

Item OS 20/3 referred from Overview and Scrutiny Committee minutes of 15 January 2020

Item OS 20/3 referred from Overview and Scrutiny Committee minutes of 15 January 2020. 

The Cabinet received the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the review of the Public Health Function and noted the concerns raised regarding the level of funding contribution for the One You Service.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)          a formal request for an increased contribution to cover management costs to enable delivery of the One You Service on a cost neutral basis be submitted to Kent County Council; and

(2)          a further review of the Public Health Function be undertaken by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to take account of the responses regarding funding contributions.

*Referred to Council

This report explores the three previously identified options for the future provision of the One You Kent service within Tonbridge & Malling BC. Dependent on the option chosen by Members there may be future financial implications for the Council.

The Director of Public Health, Kent County Council (Andrew Scott-Clark) and a local GP based at the Snodland Surgery (Becky Prince) will attend to present their views and answer any questions raised by Members. 

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health explored a number of options for consideration regarding the future provision of the One You Kent service within Tonbridge and Malling.  Financial and value for money considerations were also set out.  It was reported that currently the One You Service received a funding contribution via a Kent County Council Public Health grant, although the amount had gradually reduced over the past few years. 

The Director of Public Health at Kent County Council (Andrew Scott-Clark) and the Practice Manager at Snodland surgery (Dr Becky Prince) attended the meeting to share their experiences of the One You Kent service. 

Members recognised the value in supporting residents and patients in making lifestyle changes that led to improved health and wellbeing. It was noted that programmes tailored to individuals had a greater chance of achieving successful outcomes.   However, Members also recognised the significant financial pressures faced by the Borough Council due to the ongoing reductions in Government funding.   As a result, there was in-depth discussion as to whether it was the role of the Borough Council to deliver this programme of work, especially as public health was the responsibility of other statutory bodies. 

In addition, there was discussion as to whether the district partnership approach in West Kent was the best option of delivering this service.   It was noted that a different model of delivery operated in East Kent which achieved similar health outcomes, although Officers advised that the links with wider Council services, such as housing, might not be in place.

In response to concerns raised regarding the level of funding contribution, the Director of Public Health indicated that Kent County Council would be open to discuss this in more detail.  Members expressed concern about making a decision on the level of service provision given the lack of clarity around any potential funding offer.   Alternative funding opportunities continued to be explored by the Borough Council.

RECOMMENDED:   That a formal request for an increased contribution to cover management costs to enable delivery of the One You Service on a cost neutral basis be submitted to Kent County Council.