Content

(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.