Agenda item

This report and associated documents provides;

·       An update on the development of a new Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy for the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

·       An updated draft of the BCP Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (version 2) for scrutiny and feedback from the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scutiny Committee to inform policy and strategy development 

The Director of Public Health presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix ‘C’ to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report and associated documents provided;

·       An update on the development of a new Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy for the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

·       An updated draft of the BCP Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (version 2) for scrutiny and feedback from the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scutiny Committee to inform policy and strategy development 

The Committee considered the report, including:

• In response to a query regarding the consultation feedback which indicated the strategy was strong on ambition but did not provide detail on delivery, outcomes and clear actions, the Committee was advised that further work would be undertaken to develop delivery arrangements, including potential action plans and identifying leads for each priority. 
• It was suggested that addressing inequalities required greater emphasis on affordability and access, particularly in relation to housing. 

·       In response to a statement stressing the importance of embedding public health input across wider council decision-making, including planning, transport and licensing, the Committee was advised that public health was already influencing strategies, policies and planning decisions, with further proactive engagement planned. 

·       Clarification was provided on performance indicators, noting these were to be agreed by the Health and Wellbeing Board, benchmarked nationally, and supported by baseline and trend data. 

·       It was noted that many indicators reflected longstanding public health challenges and required sustained partnership action to improve outcomes. 

·       Members sought assurance on how progress and impact would be measured; officers confirmed monitoring through key indicators, regular reporting, and use of proxy measures where necessary. 

·       It was emphasised that progress data may lag, requiring careful interpretation alongside other evidence. 

·       Discussion highlighted housing needs for older people, including downsizing options and the role of specialist and extra care provision, with further details to be obtained from housing colleagues. 

·       It was noted that supporting independence, prevention and appropriate housing options formed part of wider adult social care and public health work. 

·       Members commented positively on the ambition of the strategy but raised challenges around influencing behaviour change. 

·       Officers emphasised that improving health outcomes relied not only on behaviour change but also on addressing wider social, economic and environmental determinants of health. 

·       It was highlighted that early intervention, particularly for children, and improving life conditions were key to reducing inequalities and improving long-term outcomes. 

·       Feedback from public consultation was welcomed, particularly in strengthening clarity, accessibility and deliverability of the strategy. 

RESOLVED that the Committee:

1.    note the progress made to date with the development of a new Health & Wellbeing Strategy

2.    note that a public consultation has been completed on the draft strategy and that feedback from both the committee and the public consultation will be used to inform the final draft strategy

3.    provide scrutiny and feedback on the draft strategy to inform policy and strategy development before a final draft strategy is presented for approval to the Health & Wellbeing Board on the 29 June 2026.

Voting: Nem. Con.