Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence are noted above.

Members of the Health and Wellbeing Board are asked to consider whether they have an interest in any of the matters on the Agenda, and if so, to formally declare that interest.

Councillor E Fitzgerald, declared a declaration of interest in relation to the culture strategy update

Questions are invited from members of the public present at the meeting on any matters for which the Board is responsible.

Approximately 30 minutes will be set aside for Public Question Time, if required.

There were no public questions asked at the meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 4^th September 2025 are attached.

It was agreed:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 4^th September 2025 be approved as a correct record.

There were no matters arising.

Chris Woodhouse provided an update on the evolving approach to neighbourhood working in Bury, which is central to the Let’s Do It strategy.

The model focuses on integrating five neighbourhoods through multi-disciplinary teams, improving collaboration between public sector, health, and VCFE partners. Work is underway to build on existing teams, create specific neighbourhood structures, and strengthen networks to improve access for communities.

Key priorities include targeting high-demand cohorts, early intervention, and using data triangulation from active casework and neighbourhood priority meetings to deliver tailored support. Examples of current initiatives include the Family Hub in Redvales and local responses to issues such as substance misuse in Radcliffe and social isolation in Whitefield.

The discussion highlighted opportunities for co-production with the voluntary sector and the need for intentional collaboration across partners. Members raised questions on data use, health spend integration, and how to address emerging issues such as cuckooing, which will return to the Board in a future meeting.

The PSLT will continue to take stock of progress under challenging conditions, expand work in schools, and strengthen links with the Live Well agenda and PSR Steering Group. Bury’s locality model was noted as a national example of good practice, and future updates will focus on neighbourhood working outcomes and targeted interventions.

It Was Agreed:

·         Report be noted

This item was deferred to the next meeting in January 2026

Adrian Crook Director of Community Commisioning provided the Quarter 2 update on the Better Care Fund (BCF), a statutory pooled budget between the NHS and the Council aimed at reducing hospital and residential admissions. Bury has met its targets, achieving reductions in admissions and remaining below the threshold for residential placements. The report includes 31 graphs, with page 32 confirming that spending is on track. Performance for over-65s is strong, with Bury ranked as the fourth-best hospital in Greater Manchester, and the BCF has been a significant enabler of proactive care. Improvements have also been noted in the length of time people spend in care homes, with better outcomes compared to last year.

Members discussed whether the BCF has addressed health inequalities and the flexibility of spending within the fund. Adrian Crook confirmed that spending must align with national targets and policy reviews, with updates expected at the end of November. Questions were raised about long-term admissions and data accuracy, with clarification that figures have improved and remain above average compared to previous years. It was noted that care homes are not inherently negative, and the focus remains on balancing admissions with quality care. Future updates will consider the impact on health inequalities and long-term sustainability.

It Was Agreed

·         Update be noted

·         The Health and Wellbeing Board Endorse the Better Care Fund

Lee Buggie provided an overview of the obesity and healthy weight agenda iten, highlighting the complex and multi-faceted causes including genetics, environment, access to green spaces, and food advertising. A whole-system approach is being adopted, with prevention strategies and school-based interventions such as the Daily Mile, PE clubs, and active travel initiatives. Current data shows 22.6% obesity prevalence in Reception and 38.8% in Year 6, with significant inequalities across wards.

Childhood obesity has risen nationally from 17% to 21% (2019–2024), and Bury ranks 13th among large authorities. Adult obesity remains high, with only a small proportion meeting dietary recommendations. Tier 3 specialist weight management pathways are under pressure, with 16,000 people on waiting lists across GM.

The Board discussed the need for a local obesity working group, prevention from pre-birth, and tailored strategies for different neighbourhoods. Members stressed the importance of co-production, early intervention, and addressing stigma, particularly in deprived and diverse communities. Links were made to wider public health priorities, including diabetes in South Asian communities and the first 1001 days of life. Initiatives such as the Let’s Get Bury Moving strategy, school catering achieving Food for Life Gold, and VCFE engagement were noted. A future update will return with proposed principles and a locality-wide approach to reducing obesity and improving healthy weight outcomes.

It Was Agreed:

·         Update be Noted

There are no items for consideration under this quadrant.

Jackie Veal provided an update on Bury’s Culture Strategy, originally launched in 2023 following its designation as the first Town of Culture in 2020–21. The strategy runs until 2026 and aligns closely with the Let’s Do It approach, focusing on five key pillars and collaboration with creative practitioners to drive economic growth and community engagement. A refresh of the strategy is planned, supported by Arts Council feedback and upcoming funding opportunities in April. To date, over £500,000 investment has supported initiatives such as Crucial Crew and strengthened connections with diverse communities.

The update highlighted the emerging Creative Health Strategy, which integrates arts and culture into health and wellbeing, supported by evidence from the World Health Organization. Examples include social prescribing programmes, art and music therapy, and cultural events to tackle social isolation. Work is underway to map community spaces and explore funding streams to sustain activity. Members agreed that cultural engagement is a vital component of health improvement and endorsed continued development of the strategy, including co-design with partners and links to Live Well and VCFE networks.

It Was Agreed:

·         Update be noted

Jon Hobday, Director of Public Health to provide a verbal update.

There was no update at this meeting

Any other business which by reason of special circumstances the Chair agrees may be considered as a matter of urgency.

There was no urgent business.