Agenda item

The Chairman invited the following to the table:

• Councillor Helena Hart – Chairman of the Barnet Health and Wellbeing Board
• Dr Jeff Lake – Consultant in Public Health

Councillor Hart presented the minutes of the Board meeting held on 9 November 2017 as set out in the agenda.

She also provided a verbal update of the discussions held at the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on 25 January 2018.

The Committee heard about the discussions held at numerous previous Health and Wellbeing Board meetings on the topic of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). At the January meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board, Councillor Hart drew the Board’s attention to the International Zero Tolerance to FGM Day to be held on 6 February this year.

The Committee noted that this had been discussed on numerous occasions at Board meetings where the Chairman, on behalf of the Board, had expressed unequivocal opposition to FGM and highlighted the physical and mental harm caused as a result of it.

The Committee noted that training on FGM will continue to be rolled out across the CCG.

A Member noted that a statement will be released and made available on the Council website to promote International Zero Tolerance on FGM Day on 6 February 2018.

The Committee heard about the discussion held at the January Health and Wellbeing Board meeting which considered the annual Director of Public Health’s report. This year’s annual report focused on the Built Environment and Health.

A Member noted work should be considered to support young people with the provision of appropriate open spaces and housing.

Dr Lake spoke about the research on how the Built Environment can help to improve health and wellbeing, along with the work already being done to develop and enhance the Built Environment together with some recommendations for further action.

Councillor Hart briefed the Committee about the work already underway through the Borough’s regeneration schemes and building programmes such as:

·       The £50m funding that has already been committed towards improving roads and pavements.

·       Referring to parks and open spaces, a significant investment in outdoor play facilities and Outdoor Gyms and Marked and Measured Routes in Parks - as well as the ‘Our Parks’ and Barnet Health Walks programmes.

·       Working with traders on initiatives such as the healthier catering commitment which includes using colour-coded systems for all vending and catering products to educate customers to choose healthy food options.

·       In respect of physical activity, Councillor Hart welcomed the achievements and increase to over 77% in the percentage of the 16+ population taking part in sport and physical activity. She envisaged even greater improvements once the new Fit and Active Barnet Campaign was launched in May.

Following a query on provision of information about healthy nutrition from a Member, Dr Lake noted that the Health and Wellbeing Board had discussed tackling obesity and its adverse effects on health.

Councillor Hart reiterated the importance of providing information to all residents and supporting them to make healthier lifestyle choices including healthy nutrition.

In relation to smoking cessation, Councillor Hart briefed the Committee about the discussion held at the January Board meeting concerning the safety of e-cigarettes. It was noted that CCG colleagues had requested that the wording of the Smoking Cessation Report be revised on the basis of the possible unknown health disadvantages as a result of e-cigarette usage. The Committee expressed their concern when informed of the ingredients of e-cigarette.

Dr Lake spoke about the importance of trying to reach a greater number of people by working closely with smaller providers across the borough. A Member noted that regulatory services will be contacted to inquire what actions can be taken to curb smoking outside cafes and restaurants.

RESOLVED that the Committee noted the Minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting held on 9 November 2017 and received a verbal update on the Minutes of the Board meeting on 25 January 2018.