The Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 13 June 2024 focused on public health initiatives and the annual reports from Cabinet Champions. Key discussions included the Hampshire Public Health Strategy and its impact on local health services, as well as efforts to support equalities, diversity, and the armed forces community.

Public Health - Health Protection Annual Report 2022-23

Simon Bryant, Director for Public Health at Hampshire County Council, and Johanna Jefferies, Associate Director for Public Health, presented the Public Health - Health Protection Annual Report 2022-23. They outlined the statutory duties of upper-tier local authorities to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. The Hampshire Public Health Strategy aims to increase the number of years residents live in good health and reduce health disparities. The strategy focuses on three main themes:

• Healthy Places, Settings and Communities: Collaborating with local authorities and acting as an anchor institution.
• Healthy People: Providing health protection, responding to public health emergencies, and reducing violence impacts within the criminal justice system.
• Healthy Lives: Encouraging physical activity and reducing smoking and substance abuse.

The committee noted ongoing work in Rushmoor, such as smoking services, healthy weight initiatives, and various physical activities. Mr Bryant highlighted the importance of targeted interventions, citing efforts to reduce HIV infection rates in Rushmoor. He also discussed emerging threats, antimicrobial resistance, and the integration of public health with planning and environmental health.

Cabinet Champions

Equalities and Diversity

Councillor Jib Belbase, Cabinet Champion for Equalities and Diversity, reported on his efforts to engage with underrepresented and hard-to-reach groups, including Asian and European communities. A Cultural Awareness Event was held to provide community leaders with access to key partners and advice on various issues. Gender Identity and Neurodiversity training sessions were also planned for officers and elected members. Councillor Belbase recommended ongoing reviews of the Council’s Equality and Diversity Action Plan, particularly regarding the independence of the Rushmoor Accessibility Access Group (RAAG).

Armed Forces

Councillor Nem Thapa, Cabinet Champion for Armed Forces, discussed his work addressing cost of living pressures for veterans and developing connections with veterans’ hubs in Aldershot and Farnborough. Efforts were also made to update the Council’s webpages with relevant information and to achieve the Gold Employee Recognition Award. The committee discussed the challenges of engaging veterans from different nationalities and the need for a single venue to bring veterans together. A policy on Reservists was due to be presented to the Cabinet for approval.

Work Plan

The committee reviewed the Work Plan and considered the draft annual report. Suggestions for future meetings included updates on the Farnborough Airport Task and Finish Group and involvement of Cabinet Members. Potential topics for future meetings included lettings at Union Yard, Aldershot, and discussions with SERCO.