Agenda item

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 agreed, noting that although campaigns exist to support smokers to switch, under no circumstances should children vape. He added that enforcement and testing frameworks are developing but take time, and trading standards remain key. Cllr Ryder asked how vaping harms could be communicated to young people. Jon confirmed that Youthwatch and Early Break will be involved in youth engagement work.

Cllr Simpson asked whether vape shops could be regulated similarly to fast?food takeaways and whether cheaper products were more harmful. Jon noted ongoing issues with illegal vapes and the expectation that the national Vapes Bill will push them off high streets.

Cllr FitzGerald linked smoking, gambling, and mental health, noting that vulnerable people are disproportionately affected. Jon agreed that cause-and-effect relationships are complex, and lived experience must inform local responses.

The discussion concluded with recognition that children are being exposed to these harms early, and national legislation will be needed to support local interventions going forward.

It was agreed:

·         Update be noted