Issue - meetings

Jon Hobday, Director of Public Health, presented the statutory annual report and highlighted a need to shine a light on commercial influences affecting public health. He emphasised that what is available, accessible, and affordable in the local environment directly shapes health outcomes. Around 70% of the commercial landscape relates to gambling, alcohol, and unhealthy food, all of which create pressures on the NHS and wider public services.

Jon outlined how central government policy, aggressive marketing, and lobbying particularly regarding tobacco and vaping contribute to shifting blame and worsening health outcomes. Locally, alcohol-related mortality is higher than the national average, with 1 in 5 children affected by alcohol-related harm. He demonstrated a licensing matrix that maps alcohol outlet density by postcode to support informed decision-making. He also highlighted gambling harms, with around 13,000 residents affected, often linked to poor mental health and suicide risk. Bury also has one of the highest densities of fast-food outlets, with 40% of Year 6 children obese, prompting the use of the SPD planning document to limit new takeaways. Smoking rates remain highest among routine and manual workers in the most deprived communities.

Jon outlined a system-wide approach focusing on regulating harmful practices, promoting healthier environments, and supporting businesses via the Good Health Charter. He referenced work in Transport for London, where unhealthy food advertising has been removed, and Scotland’s progress in regulating harmful commercial practices. Jon issued a call to action, highlighting collective responsibility across partners.

Cllr Tariq thanked Jon and the team for producing a strong report and noted that challenges around hot food takeaways and night-time economy require ongoing focus. Cllr FitzGerald encouraged the committee to consider what more can be done outside formal meetings.

Cllr Duncalfe raised an issue regarding funding for Cocaine Anonymous groups, which cannot accept financial support due to anonymity requirements. Jon confirmed this but noted that other small funds, including social value allocations and GM Mental Health Trust resources, could sometimes support related work. Cllr FitzGerald added that citizen groups face barriers when financial thresholds require a treasurer after £1,000, discouraging participation.

Cllr Boles sought reassurance about the Fast Food SPD and shared concerns about gambling harms. A request was made for more data, particularly exploring links between gambling and homelessness and whether this should inform future commissioning. Jon confirmed that Bury does not currently commission a gambling-specific service due to limited funding, although GMCA plays a coordination role.

Adrian Crook added that while the Council cannot directly fund anonymous groups, it does support wider organisations addressing these issues.
Cllr Simpson asked about high inequality figures shown on page 93, seeking clarity on whether they were per 100,000. She noted that small areas like Redvales and Radcliffe significantly influence local averages and asked how Bury should present such data. Jon agreed these areas skew data and that more resource should be directed to them.

The committee then discussed vaping, with Cllr FitzGerald noting mixed messaging nationally. He referenced Chris Whitty’s guidance: “If you don’t smoke, don’t vape.” Jon  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114

Jon Hobday, Director of Public Health provided a summary of the statutory Public Health Annual Report, explaining that its purpose is to spotlight key public health issues and drive system?wide action. This year’s report focuses on the commercial determinants of health and how the environments in which people live, work and shop influence health inequalities across the borough.

Jon highlighted how factors such as high concentrations of fast?food outlets, advertising, and targeted marketing disproportionately affect people living in poverty, making unhealthy choices more likely. He explained that 73% of ill?health is linked to non?communicable diseases, which are strongly shaped by wider environmental and commercial influences. The report outlines tactics used by industries and the importance of regulation and policy to create healthier environments, including national developments such as extended smoke?free zones for tobacco and vapes.

Jon stressed the need to shift away from narratives that blame individuals for poor health, recognising how industries influence norms, including through sponsorship, education materials and social media. He drew attention to increasing alcohol?related mortality, high levels of obesity, and rising food poverty locally. Work underway includes the Bury Food Strategy, transforming food procurement and catering, and the Healthy Stadia work promoting non?alcohol and healthier food options. Spatial planning work, including the Supplementary Planning Document, supports this approach in areas with high obesity rates. Smoking prevalence remains at 10%, supported by enforcement and prevention work.

Key recommendations include promoting healthy environments, regulating harmful practices, empowering communities and businesses, advocating for system change and ensuring fair taxation. Jon issued a call to action for the system to champion a whole?systems approach and align policy.

Councillor Tariq asked about alignment with the Marmot approach and the latest position on the Cabinet motion. Jon confirmed he would share the action plan with the committee and that the motion, including an enhanced equality impact assessment process, would be brought back with further detail.

Adrian Crook welcomed the structure of the report and highlighted the opportunity to track planning policy implementation and capture success stories that demonstrate impact. Jon agreed that building a portfolio of case studies would strengthen future reporting.

It Was Agreed:

·       The Board noted the update.