Agenda item

To review the Annual Report

Rebecca Fletcher presented the Public Health Annual Report for 2024/25, and it was noted that she was available to discuss anything regarding the report outside of the meeting. It was highlighted that the report focuses on an overview of Oldham’s health, particularly around life expectancy and healthy life expectancy, noting the key issues in Oldham and highlighting the voices of residents throughout the report.

It was noted that in early intervention, Oldham was the third highest in the country for health checks. It was also noted that there is a national target for detection of cancers in Stage 1 and 2 of 75%, and that Oldham was currently only at 51%.

Members asked why some of the data used was from 2023/24. It was noted that some of the data was the most available at the time, due to complicated lags in data being available. It was also noted by members that the graph on Page 8 of the report noted that roughly 24% of contributions to life expectancy inequalities was noted as ‘Other’, which was a significant amount. It was explained that this is a combination of lots of other smaller reasons or unclear reasons, and that the team is looking at which other factors could be presented.

Members asked whether the data around Moving More had been shared with the Playing Pitch Strategy. It was noted that that data had been shared, but due to the limitations of the data, it couldn’t be broken down beyond the boroughwide picture. Members also raised whether what more could be done regarding cycle to work and after school activities. It was noted that the implementation of active travel was ongoing, but that the employer side needs to be taken further, particularly around bike storage and shower facilities to encourage more people to cycle. In relation to schools, it was noted that schools could open facilities both before and after school to encourage participation. It was noted that thousands of children are involved in the work of sports clubs across the borough, but that there is a notable drop off in participation once children reach secondary school. Councillor Brownridge noted that walking routes should be part of the planning requirements for homes being built, and the success and popularity of walking groups was also noted.

Members also highlighted the recommendations of the report, querying why the report doesn’t commit to tangible targets or funding to reduce health inequality, as well as noting that the currently emergency waiting list is 700+ people and families, whereas the housing building allocation is only 540 sites identified. It was noted that the report is a statutory report to update across residents and partners, not just the authority, and that the recommendations are to the system. It was highlighted that the authority is working on addressing health inequality within the borough.

Members asked how the information in the advice referral tools is publicised. It was noted that the information is available on the council’s website and staff have had training on this to help refer residents to the right services.

Members noted the issues around healthy eating, noting the uptake in fast food and frozen foods, asking how families could be encouraged to cook their own food. It was noted that a food and health group was being set up to explore this, and that schools should be encouraging home cooking. It was noted that the world has changed and weakened our approach, particularly in relation to food delivery apps and services, and that all local authorities are behind the curve on this.

Members asked where residents should go to find help setting up their own walking groups. It was noted that the Sports and Move More leads can help if it is needed. Members also queried whether any public health work had been done around the school streets scheme. It was noted that a consistent approach was needed, and that this would be taken on board.

RESOLVED: That the content and recommendations of the Public Health Annual Report be noted.