Councillors have declared North East Lincolnshire Council a ‘public health council’.
The move is designed to raise the prominence and consideration of poor public health in council decision-making. The declaration is symbolic with no legal status behind it – but it reflects concern about the impact of poor health on residents and council finances.
The move comes weeks after a Channel 4 documentary, Britain’s Benefits Scandal, dubbed East Marsh ‘Britain’s worklessness capital’. More than half of all adults in the economically-deprived ward claim benefits.
Councillors also agreed to set up a cross-party working group to look at the feasibility of becoming a Marmot Place. These recognise health and social inequalities are mostly shaped by social health factors, the conditions in which people are born, live and work. It commits to principles to take action to improve health and reduce health inequalities. Leeds and Greater Manchester are already Marmot Places.
The working group would look at whether to become one, or the adoption of some or all Marmot principles, with the aim to report to Cabinet by July 31, 2025.
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‘A ticking time bomb’
Independent Group for North East Lincolnshire councillors moved to make the public health council declaration. Cllr Steve Holland highlighted the wider public health context. “9.1m people in England are projected to be living with major illness by 2040, 2.5m more than in 2019,” he said, an estimate by the Health Foundation.
And the impact of worsening public health on tight council budgets was annotated. “Members who attended the informal budget briefing sessions last week heard officers talk about a ticking time bomb, due in part of course to an ageing population.” Fellow Independent Cllr Paul Bright later said public health officers “painted a stark picture facing adult services in the coming years and the negative impact this will have on our finances”.
Councillors were told during this the area ranked fifth in the country for adults trying to access mental health services. “Declaring ourselves a public health council indicates a clear determination to improve our worsening statistics,” argued Cllr Holland. “But more importantly, for every key decision we make it will reinforce that we need to be thinking about the long-term impact on the health of residents.”
He said the council should look hard at which, if any, of the Marmot Principles “could work to make the step change we need” on public health.
“As far as principles go, as a council we are well on our way to being a public health council,” said Cllr Stan Shreeve, deputy leader and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care. Public health and Marmot principles were already embraced in much council work.
“However, our view is that the formal adoption of Marmot at this time would add a layer of bureaucracy and cost that would not yield a return in the short-term.” He had “a great deal of sympathy” for the motion’s sentiments, though. He suggested all future Cabinet papers have a section considering the impact of proposals on tackling health inequalities and public health.
“Public health has been undermined and under-resourced for many years,” said Labour opposition group leader Cllr Kath Wheatley, supporting the motion. “The only way to respond to this perceived abandonment is by having strong policies and leadership both nationally and locally.” She called it “shocking” that a child’s place of birth within different parts of the borough saw a ten year life expectancy difference.
Cllr Loyd Emmerson, pictured at his election in May, voiced his support for the public health council declaration
(Image: Jon Corken)
Liberal Democrat East Marsh Ward Cllr Loyd Emmerson acknowledged the worklessness capital dubbing of his ward and poor health of many residents. “I see this day in, day out, with my own residents in my ward and it absolutely breaks my heart.” He reported residents sometimes had to pass on local activities and events because of health issues.
For council leader Cllr Philip Jackson, health outcomes were always key. Public health in certain sectors of the community had “continued to deteriorate” over the last 30 years.
“So clearly we’re not getting it right at the moment. But I’m not sure by just changing the words around and having a different set of policies and written objectives, that we’re actually going to change anything.” Despite this, he and other Conservative councillors also backed the Independent Group’s motion.
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