The Health Committee met on Tuesday 16 June 2026 to discuss healthy high streets, hearing from a range of experts and local representatives. Key themes included the multifaceted nature of a healthy high street, the role of local authorities and business improvement districts in promoting health, and the challenges and opportunities in creating healthier food environments. The committee also received updates on the GLA's work to support high streets and discussed the importance of neighbourhood health centres.

Healthy High Streets: Key Features and Public Health Impact

William Roberts, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Public Health, outlined four key features of a healthy high street: community engagement, accessibility, a diverse offering of retail and social spaces, and opportunities for people to stay and engage. He stressed that high streets can either be health-creating or detrimental to public health, and that this is a choice councils can make. Rob Anderson, Research Director at the Centre for London, highlighted the role of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in promoting health through physical, mental, and social determinants, citing examples like cargo bike schemes and promoting healthy food choices. Councillor Rags Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Leisure at the London Borough of Bexley, shared Bexley's approach of utilising Business Improvement Districts to host events like night markets and themed events to increase footfall, and discussed the challenges faced by outer London boroughs in balancing parking revenue with accessibility.

Local Authority Powers and Strategies for Healthier High Streets

Assembly Member Russell questioned how local authorities can use their powers to build healthier high streets. William Roberts emphasised a whole council perspective, drawing on public health expertise, and highlighted the potential of licensing powers to shape the mix of businesses on a high street. He also pointed to the civic pride opportunity in reimagining high streets for the 21st century, moving beyond traditional retail to create vibrant community hubs. Councillor Sandhu discussed Bexley's strategy, including utilising the Business Improvement District for events and making use of existing council-owned properties like libraries as community hubs. She also highlighted the challenge of competing with large retail centres like Bluewater, which offer free parking, and the impact of government funding formulas that penalise councils for undercharging on parking.

Food Environment and Healthy Catering

The availability of healthy food options on high streets was a significant topic. William Roberts discussed the effectiveness of planning powers, such as restricting the proliferation of takeaways, but noted that these are not always consistently used. He advocated for encouraging positive development rather than solely restricting unhealthy options. Councillor Sandhu confirmed Bexley's promotion of healthy food outlets and street markets, noting that this has emerged naturally due to supply and demand. Rob Anderson provided examples from London Bridge, where BIDs have promoted healthy food choices through deal cards and worked with local businesses to offer discounts.

Neighbourhood Health Centres and Integrated Care

Dr Agatha Nortley-Meshe, Regional Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England for London Region, spoke about the importance of neighbourhood health centres being located on or near high streets, emphasizing that neighbourhood is not just NHS. Neighbourhood is whole system. She highlighted the need for creative use of existing buildings, such as leisure centres and libraries, to provide health and social care services, citing examples of successful integrated models. Dr Nortley-Meshe stressed the importance of co-design with communities and the need for infrastructure that connects different services, rather than just more analysis.

The London Plan and Future Policy

Gerard Burgess, Senior Strategic Planner at the GLA, discussed the impact of the 2021 London Plan, noting a diversification of town centres towards leisure and night-time uses, and a strong growth in health-related uses, although from a small base. He also observed a decline in betting shop floor space but an increase in applications for adult gaming centres. Louise Duggan, Head of Regeneration and Growth Strategies at the GLA, highlighted the GLA's approach of place-based, multidimensional investment through programmes like the Good Growth Fund and Civic Partnership Programme, often skewing towards areas of greatest need. Harry Burchill, Planning Policy Team Leader at the London Borough of Brent, outlined Brent's actions, including public realm investment, tree planting, initiatives to create cool places during heatwaves, and support for active travel. He also discussed regulatory measures through licensing to address harms associated with gambling and adult gaming centres.

Challenges and Recommendations

Throughout the discussions, several challenges were identified, including the impact of government funding formulas on outer London boroughs, the need for better data sharing, and the potential for a one-size-fits-all approach to policy. Assembly Member Boff raised concerns about the consultation process for the Queen's Crescent Market redevelopment, while Assembly Member Best questioned the impact of parking restrictions on outer London high streets. The panel also discussed the need for the Mayor of London to champion good practice and support the role of BIDs. The upcoming London Plan was seen as an opportunity to further integrate health considerations into high street development.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the work programme and future meeting dates. The Committee noted the report and discussion on Healthy High Streets. Authority was delegated to the Chair, in consultation with party Group Lead Members, to agree any output arising from the discussion. The Committee noted its work programme and meeting dates. Authority was delegated to the Chair, in consultation with party Group Lead Members, to agree any output from the Rapporteurship on the community use of school sports facilities. The next meeting of the Committee was scheduled for 3 September 2026.