Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Public Health.

The Stockport Health Promise is a set of commitments entered into by various departments of the Council and other agencies to improve health. The Promise has recently been revised and a range of promises have been agreed which cumulatively represent an important contribution to the health of the people.

Scrutiny Committee is asked to receive the report

Officer contact: Dr Stephen Watkins, 0161 474 2436, stephen.watkins@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Public Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out revisions to the Stockport Health Promise, the set of commitments entered into by various Council departments and partner agencies and designed to improve the health of the population.

The Director highlighted the genuine commitment of partners to fulfilling the promises. It was also commented that even if staff were not always aware of particular promises they were often committed to delivering those improved outcomes.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Further information was sought on promise 84 relating to stair location and design in planning applications. In response it was stated that the location of stairs in a home had an impact on the likelihood of accidents as well as impacting on the feasibility and cost of fitting stair lifts.

·         Was there scope for encouraging the use of very small parcels of land for allotments or community gardens where these were unlikely to be used for development? This was a particular challenge in less affluent areas. The example of community orchards was given. In response the importance of this suggestion was acknowledged and further examples of initiatives in Todmorden were given. The impact of very limited activity, even planting just one fruit tree, could be worthwhile.

·         In relation to anti-idling and improving air quality around schools (promise 72), was there scope for using civil enforcement officers to address this? In response, the challenge was acknowledged, although the resource implications for an already stretched and in-demand was emphasised.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.