Agenda and minutes

(A period not exceeding 20 minutes for questions and statements from

members of the public and Elected Members to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones. Questions/Statements should relate specifically to an item of business on the agenda and be limited to a maximum of 100 words. As stated within Executive Procedure Rule 3.3 each person will be allowed to submit one question/statement per meeting.A question may only be asked if notice has been given by delivering it in writing or by e-mail to the Governance Team no later than 5.00 p.m. of the third working day before the day of the meeting. Each question or statement must give the name and address of the person submitting it. Questions/Statements should be sent to the Governance Team, Floor 2, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster, DN1 3BU, or by email to Democratic.Services@doncaster.gov.uk)

Public Questions and Statements

Questions had been received from Councillor Nick Allen and Ms Lizzie Harewood.

In the absence of Councillor Nick Allen, the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Glyn Jones read out Councillor Allen’s question as follows:-

'The figures regarding childhood obesity are quite alarming. What can the City of Doncaster do to help reverse this trend so that we are no longer 'getting worse'. When will we see an improvement, which seems so vital for Doncaster's young people?' 

The Deputy Mayor thanked Councillor Allen for his question and read out the following response. A copy of the response would be forwarded to Councillor Allen:-

‘Childhood obesity, and obesity in general, is a complex public health issue across the country.

Although weight may seem mostly determined by choices that people make for themselves and their families, research demonstrates that our weight is significantly influenced by multiple genetic, social and environmental factors.

The numbers of children and adults who are overweight and obese have risen over recent generations. This has been in the context of significant change to modern life including transport methods, urban environments, sport, exercise and food production. The creation of environments that promote consumption and reduce opportunities to be physically active are considered to be the main driver of the rise in obesity. Because of this, education and information on healthy eating and physical activity will only go so far in supporting people to maintain a healthy weight.  

A whole systems approach to tackling obesity is likely to be a more effective way to reduce overweight and obesity prevalence in the population. This approach is having a positive impact in the Netherlands where they have taken an integrated, cross-sector, and cross-departmental actions driven by policy and delivered through local authorities, schools, medical professions, planning bodies, sports organizations, communities themselves, charities, and a responsible business sector.

What is clear is that there is no single solution, programme or service that can make a meaningful impact on reducing obesity prevalence at population level. A coordinated response at both a national and local level is essential if we are to see meaningful change.

Locally, in Doncaster, we are taking a whole systems approach to tackle obesity. This includes programmes like ‘Get Doncaster Moving’ that provides opportunities to be active in parks, green spaces, alongside sports and leisure facilities across Doncaster. We have licensing guidance in place to prevent an oversupply of takeaways in communities, or near to schools.

When new developments are planned, we require developers to complete a health impact assessment and we work with them to maximise opportunities for physical activity, but all of our local initiatives and policies must fit within the national planning policy framework.

Health visitors and school nurses work with families and can provide advice and support around weaning and healthy eating. In communities, we have cook and eat sessions that provide families with skills and confidence to create nutritious meals.

We will continue to deliver and develop compassionate, support mechanisms to tackle obesity. An innovative  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Decision records from the meeting held on 26th April, 2023 (previously circulated), were noted.</AI2>