Agenda item

Report of the Director of Services

The Leisure Services Team Leader presented the report to Members and Introduced Mr M Sandys, the Director of Public Health for Leicestershire.

Mr M Sandys gave a presentation to the Committee detailing the key findings within the annual report and proposals to improve the health and wellbeing in Leicestershire in the future.

Councillor T Eynon explained that as a County Councillor she had already had sight of the report and was pleased to have the opportunity to look deeper into the issues at Committee.  Regarding the figure for people killed and seriously injured on roads, Councillor T Eynon questioned if there was a connection with the poor air quality as North West Leicestershire has the worst air pollution in the East Midlands.  Mr M Sandys commented that he was aware of the air pollution issues in the area.  He felt that it was an interesting topic as this area did not fall into the usual categories of traffic and urban pollution as there was also an airport, quarries, power station and agricultural pollution to consider.  As the area was unique in that aspect, he would like to look into the issue further.    He added that there were things that could be put in place to ease the traffic pollution but he would need to look into the qualifying factors before offering further advice.

Councillor J Geary commented that there were areas within the District that were totally reliant on solid fuel heating and asked how this would impact on the air quality.  Mr M Sandys responded that it would have an impact but explained that there were options to improve such as installing a stove rather than an open fire.

In response to a question from Councillor T Eynon, Mr M Sandys stated that he would be happy to assist officers if the decision was taken to develop the Council’s air quality plan.

Regarding the figure for recorded diabetes for the area which was worse than the national average, Councillor N Smith asked what could be done by the Council to improve as it was not always due to an unhealthy lifestyle.  Mr M Sandys explained that the red indicator may actually be highlighting that GP’s were diagnosing more cases of diabetes and therefore have an improved medical practice, if this was the case he would report back at a later date.  He stated that the best proven way to make improvements and avoid type 2 diabetes was to encourage a healthier lifestyle with diet and physical activity.

Councillor D Harrison queried how the figures for the District were formulated.  Mr M Sandys explained that they were driven by research and national science based evidence, which was solid and robust.

Councillor N Clarke commented that breast feeding initiation seemed to be a problem across the whole of the County and asked if there was any indication as to why that was.  Mr M Sandys responded that it was unclear but could be a result of people’s culture.  He added that efforts were being made to improve by providing support for new mothers.

The Chairman thanked Mr M Sandys for his attendance and contribution to the meeting.

RESOLVED THAT:

The report be noted.