Agenda item

Purpose: Matt Pearce (Director of Public Health) has been invited to present The Director of Public Health Annual Report 2025. This report focuses on ‘Setting the foundations for lifelong health’.

Matt Pearce, Director of Public Health at West Berkshire Council, presented the Director of Public Health's Annual Report, focusing on the theme of "Best Start in Life." The report highlighted the importance of the first 1,001 days of a child’s life, from conception to age two, in shaping future health and well-being outcomes. It provided an overview of key challenges, successes, and recommendations to improve outcomes for children and families in West Berkshire.

During the debate the following points were discussed:

·       The report emphasised the critical importance of the first 1,001 days in a child’s life, highlighting that significant brain development occurred during that period.

·       National surveys suggested a lack of public awareness about the importance of early years, particularly the impact of brain development during this time.

·       The Healthy Child Programme was identified as a key service, with health visitors playing a vital role in engaging with families, particularly vulnerable children.

·       Concerns were raised about the decline in antenatal contacts, which had dropped significantly due to a lack of process for midwifery notifying health visiting services. An automated system has since been implemented to address this issue.

·       The report highlighted a rise in child poverty in West Berkshire, with approximately 3,300 children now living in poverty, a 52.8% increase over the last decade.

·       Poor maternal mental health was identified as a significant challenge, with a need to ensure parents and caregivers had access to mental health support.

·       Smoking in pregnancy rates had decreased from 7.4% in 2010 to 5.9%, but further work is needed to reduce this figure further.

·       West Berkshire performed well in terms of immunisation rates, but there was a need to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure trusted professionals provided accurate information to counter misinformation.

·       The report highlighted geographical inequalities within West Berkshire, with life expectancy varying significantly between different areas. Addressing these inequalities required a proportionate universalism approach, targeting resources where they were most needed while maintaining universal services.

·       The rate of emergency admissions for lower respiratory infections among males aged 0-4 was noted to be higher than the national average. Further investigation was required to understand the reasons behind this trend.

·       The Healthy Start voucher scheme was discussed, with concerns raised about the estimated £70,720 of unclaimed vouchers locally each year. Efforts were needed to promote the scheme more effectively to eligible families.

·       The report included a recommendation for the Health and Wellbeing Board to consider expressing an interest in fluoridation of the water supply to improve oral health. This recommendation prompted mixed views among committee members, with some expressing reservations.

·       The importance of addressing housing conditions, including damp and mould, was highlighted, particularly in light of the new Awaab’s Law. Concerns were raised about the additional responsibilities that placed on local authorities without additional funding. It was noted that housing was a cross-cutting issue involving health and social care, and there was some uncertainty about which group or committee is responsible for overseeing related work. The Housing and Homelessness Strategy Group was suggested as a likely forum.

·       The committee discussed the need for improved data sharing between organisations to support children at both individual and strategic levels.

·       Members highlighted the importance of parenting preparation and the need for diverse approaches to support parents, including online tools, peer groups, and in-person support.

·       The committee noted the recommendations within the report and expressed support for the focus on improving outcomes during the first 1,001 days of life.

Action: Matt Pearce to take away the question regarding respiratory illness for further investigation.

Action: Vicky Phoenix to look into identifying the appropriate forum or group to discuss housing-related issues further.