Issue - meetings

 The Final Report of the Obesity and Child Poverty Task Group was endorsed by Health Select Committee on 8 March 2016 and by Children’s Select Committee on 22 March 2016.

An Executive Response was presented to the Children’s Select Committee on 31st May 2016 and Health Select Committee on 21st June 2016.

A 6 month  update is provided on the implementation of Wiltshire’s Reducing Child Poverty Strategy following the outcomes of the task group. Particularly in relation to dissemination of Child Poverty Community Area Profiles and how Area Boards are taking local action as a result.

Members are asked to consider, note, and provide comments on the update.

The Chairman reminded the Committee that the Final Report of the Obesity and Child Poverty Task Group was endorsed by the Health Select Committee on 8 March 2016 and by this Committee on 22 March 2016.  An Executive Response was subsequently presented to this Committee on 31 May 2016 and the Health Select Committee on 21 June 2016.

A six month update was being provided on the implementation of Wiltshire’s Reducing Child Poverty Strategy following the outcomes, recommendations and executive response of the Obesity and Child Poverty Task Group.

Attention was drawn, in particular, to the most recent data from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) which showed that across Wiltshire excess weight (overweight and obese combined) among reception year children (4-5 years) had increased slightly by 0.1% and decreased slightly by 0.1% for children in year 6 (10-11 years).

Wiltshire remained below the 2015-16 South West average of excess weight among reception aged children (21.9%) and year 6 children (30.3%). Nationally, during the same period, there had been an increase in the percentage of reception year children with excess weight from 21.9% to 22.1% and in year 6 children from 33.2% to 34.2%. It was encouraging to note that Wiltshire’s prevalence of excess weight was positive in relation to rising national and regional prevalence.

Members noted that Wiltshire’s Obesity Strategy included a priority to reduce the variation in excess weight in children between the least and most deprived areas by 2% by 2020.

Data had been shared as part of the Community Joint Strategic Assessment (CJSA) events to enable local areas to identify priorities and actions around childhood obesity and child poverty. Several area boards had voted to prioritise the reduction of childhood obesity and a few so far had prioritised a reduction in child poverty, which was very encouraging.

During discussion, Members recognised that the lifestyle of children and their families was a major factor to be taken into account with the eating of fast and convenient foods.

Resolved:

(1)      To note the update provided on the implementation of Wiltshire’s Reducing Child Poverty Strategy.

(2)      To request a progress report in 12 months’ time.

(3)      To draw the attention of all Members to the Obesity Summit planned to be held on 21 July 2017.