The Director of Public Health provided a brief overview of the report to the committee. Advising that Thurrock has the highest rate of childhood obesity for children in Reception year and second highest in the East of England region for children in year 6 and is significantly worse than the rate for England.

Thurrock has adopted an entire system approach to tackling obesity and produced a Thurrock Whole Systems Strategy 2018-2021. The Committee was asked to set up the Task and Finish Group, agree the scoping document and Terms of Reference, to appoint a chair and to seek nominations of who is going to sit on the group. The numbers should be between 4-7 members.

The proposed outcome is to provide a report on themes with recommendations to be reported back to the health and well-being board.

Members questioned the section of the report that stated that officers plan to meet with children to get their views and asked for clarification is parents and carers view would be sought also. It was confirmed that parents and carers views will also be collected during this process.

Members questioned whether historical data for Thurrock and whether previous initiatives worked or did not work. Wanting further qualitative analysis and evaluation on including what can be done differently. The Director of Public Health advised there is historical data, however previously there was no targeted weight management programs with no investments.

Thurrock have rolled out the Health, Exercise, and Nutrition for Really Young ‘HENRY’ programme which is a targeted programme. Thurrock will evaluate the programmes to find out if they are achieving outcomes.

Members questioned whether the task and finish group were necessary if Thurrock are already rolling out programmes. The committee were advised it is necessary to gain insight and identify gaps.

The Chair stressed that the task and finish group need to do more for it to be successful. Including having a progress and RAG rating report to evaluate the effectiveness. The Chair proposed officers provide a timeline of all the initiatives dating back to 1994 with detail and honest data and facts.

Members questioned whether a bespoke 1-2-1 programme would be more appropriate. The committee were advised that the ‘HENRY’ and weight management programme has been running in various parts of the country and has only been in Thurrock for approximately two years. Therefore, it will need time before any substantial data. 1-2-1 work would require costing and would be difficult to measure its success in the short term.

Members questioned what success looks like. The Director of public Heath confirmed this would be dependent on whether it was excellent value for money and whether meaningful outcomes were achieved.

Councillor Heath joined the meeting at 19.38.

The Chair questioned whether the portfolio holders had any awareness of the programmes and if information was shared between them.

The Portfolio holders confirmed they were willing to meet with officers to discuss further as it is an important part of Thurrock’s strategy with long- term benefits. In addition to this there will be cross service working amongst cabinet members.

Members questioned whether any work can be done with planning, to limit the number of fast-food restaurants. The Chair agreed and asked if members and portfolio holders to push for this and consult with the planning officers. Members suggested they work closely with the Cabinet member for Place.

Members questioned the sample for targeted weight management programme and questioned how they will decide who to meet with and how it will be conducted without stigma. The committee were advised that the team would use health and law policies to approach children and parents with sensitivity. This part of the work has not been completed yet; however, they will work with Children’s Services, Schools Council’s, and other community groups.

Members argued that obesity has been discussed in several meetings over several years and wanted further information about the origins of the ‘HENRY’ programme and its success rates. The Director of Public Health advised the committee she did not have specifics; however, she would share information with Democratic Services who would forward on to members. The committee were advised that the ‘HENRY’ is predicated on training and existing Childrens Services. It is grounded in prevention from weaning stages onwards. It is embedded into mainstream services.

Action: Director of Public Health to share further information on the ‘HENRY’ programme with democratic services. Democratic services to forward the information to the committee.

Members stated that officers should consider socio-economic issues in relation to obesity, when considering who to speak to. They should also consider the parents health as often they can be overweight as well.

Member questioned whether they had consent to ask children for their views. The Committee were advised that the Public Health Team would work jointly with Children’s Services and involve family hubs to approach the issues of consent. They will need input from Parent and Carers; however, they will link in with existing opportunities.

The Co-optee advised the committee that eating habits from African and Caribbean communities are different and this should be considered as part of the task and finish group.

The Chair asked for insight into what the task and finish group will consist of and who will be leading it. The Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) Officer advised that the Public Health Team will be involved, and O&S will be there to advise and set up, however it will be guided by the Public Health team and Children’s Services. The Chair requested that officers make sure the task and finish group would have appropriate officer support either in-house or on-site visits. They were advised this would be investigated and the Director of Public Health reassured the Chair the task and finish group would have full support from officers.

The Committee agreed to the following members to participate in the Task and Finish Group

Chair: Councillor Rigby

Members: Councillor Fish, Councillor Jones, Councillor Panjala

Co-Optee: Georgina Bonsu

The Childhood Obesity Task and Finish Group will begin in September 2024 as agreed by the Committee and will run for a maximum of 10 weeks.

Action: The Overview and Scrutiny Officer to arrange an informal meeting with the Task and Finish Group Chair in August 2024.