(Report of Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health)
Consideration was given to a number of health priorities identified by the Borough Council’s Health Action Team (HAT) to focus on and develop a TMBC Health Action Plan. These priorities would also inform a Kent and Medway shared delivery plan which underpinned the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Strategy.
It was advised that within the delivery plan for the Strategy, district council priorities were cited which would support the overall shared outcomes. The priorities had been established through discussion, workshops and a survey and a focus on improving mental health, supporting older people and improving children’s health was recommended.
Members recognised the importance of identifying what priorities should be focused on and particular reference was made to the high figures for mental health, especially in older people as a result of loneliness. Concern was also expressed at the levels of obesity in children and it was hoped that healthy eating and exercise could be encouraged.
The risk of reduced funding from Kent County Council was recognised given their difficult financial position, although Officers were pleased to report that the County Council had confirmed funding for the next 2 years, until 2026 subject to them receiving the Public Health grant. However, other opportunities for funding would continue to be explored.
Following consideration by the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Housing resolved that:
(1) the following three Health Action Plan priorities be endorsed;
· improving mental health;
· supporting older people; and
· improving children’s health
(2) the positive work of the Health Action Team and the links being made with the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Strategy be noted.