RESOLVED - That:
Local Authorities have a responsibility for prevention of
overweight and obesity and as such in 2017 Oldham Council
commissioned the ‘Oldham Weight Loss Voucher Scheme’
from two national weight loss organisations, Slimming World and
Weight Watchers, to deliver to the eligible population - i.e.
adults with a BMI up to 35kg/m2, resident in Oldham or employed by
Oldham Council with no pre-existing eating disorder or untreated
medical condition, and who have not self-funded to the weight loss
organisation in the last 12 weeks. The contract involved the
delivery of weight management support through prepaid
(‘voucher’) group activities, printed materials and
on-line support for a period of at least 12 weeks, with free
further support for individuals meeting weight management
targets.
On 15 April 2019 the contract was extended from original end date
of 30 April 2019 to 31 October 2019 to enable a balance of 204
pre-paid vouchers to be used. However due to due to lower than
expected uptake of the scheme, 140 vouchers were left as of 26
November 2019.
It is being proposed to extend the contract to 31st October 2020 to
enable the existing balance to be exhausted. It is anticipated the
uptake for the Weight Watchers service would increase as the
vouchers for the Slimming World service have been used. This end
date will also coincide with the commissioning of a new weight
management offer as part of a wider health improvement
service.