Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Dr Gary Marlowe.

There were no declarations.

To agree the minutes of the previous meeting.

RESOLVED, That – the minutes of the meeting held on 3rd October 2019 be approved.

Matters arising

Members noted that the Rough Sleeping Options Appraisal (New Intervention Proposal) was being presented to the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Sub and Community and Children’s Services Committees in December 2019 and the Health and Wellbeing Board in January 2020.

Members asked to receive alerts in respect of Carers’ Days.

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

Members received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services in respect of the Mental Health activities initiated by the City of London Corporation’s Public Health Team.  Members also noted progress in respect of the City’s Mental Health Centre, which was due to open in May 2020.  Members were invited to contact the Chairman or Deputy Chairman if they wished to undertake first aid mental health training and/or children and young people’s mental health training, as more work would be forthcoming in this area.  The officer explained that all training would be evaluated after 6 months, and officers had approached 2 barber training schools in Westminster. 

Members noted that Public Health England (PHE) had said that the City’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan, the joint City and Hackney Clinical Commissioning Group, the City of London Corporation and the London Borough of Hackney’s Mental Health Strategy and action plan were exemplary. This was in the context of the joint City and Hackney Clinical Commissioning Group, the City of London Corporation and the London Borough of Hackney applying to be joint signatories of the prevention concordat for better mental health.  Furthermore, the PHE had asked if they could use the strategy and action plans as models for other local authorities.

In response to questions about the success of Dragon Café in the City, Members noted that the café had regular attendees and lots of personal recommendations. Whilst the Dragon Café offers a safe space for people to engage with and develop skills to support mental wellbeing, it is not the same type of intervention as the “Crisis Café” in Hackney.  Members noted the potential for community space at the Barbican and the pop-up centre at the Barbican Library last week.

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted. 

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

Members received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services in respect of; (1) Annual Review of Progress of the City Corporation’s Declaration on Sugar Reduction and Healthier Food; (2) Health and Wellbeing Advisory Group; and (3) Children’s Partnership Board.

Members noted that a range of healthy eating initiatives were bedding into the Corporate Catering Contract, which had commenced in September 2018. The City Corporation’s Environmental Health Team has started to roll-out the Healthier Catering Commitment standard across the City and has adopted a flexible approach, due to the low number of ‘traditional’ take-aways in the City.  The officer also mentioned that some corporate guidance on sponsorships is in development, which will target lower-level contracts held by the City Corporation.

There was some discussion about the importance of education in enabling residents and workers to make informed decisions; noting the common misconceptions about some ‘healthy’ foods, which could be very high in salt and fat content, as well as the more obvious high sugar snacks.  Members noted that officers were particularly mindful of such advice appearing dictatorial and the potentially negative impact on those suffering from eating disorders. 

Members discussed the article in the press today in respect of high childhood obesity levels and suggested that the City School Boards be engaged.  Members also noted that levels of childhood obesity in the City were very low and that work is being conducted at a pan-London level to see whether regulations to restrict junk food advertising from within 100 metres of schools can be extended to other popular settings for children. Members suggested that this could include school trip landmarks.  The CCG representative advised that they were looking to co-ordinate their action plans with respect to tackling childhood obesity and creating healthier food environments for children. 

RESOLVED, that –

There were no questions.

The City of London Corporation’s DRAFT Sport and Physical Activity Strategy for 2020-25:   A Report of the Head of Corporate Strategy and Performance.

The Chairman agreed to admit the following item of urgent business:

The City of London Corporation’s Draft Sport and Physical Activity Strategy for 2020-25

Members received a report of the Head of Corporate Strategy and Performance in respect of the City Corporation’s Draft Sport and Physical Activity Strategy for 2020-25.  Member noted that the report was being presented to a number of committees and comments from previous meetings had been circulated to the Health and Wellbeing Board.  Members asked if all comments could be circulated to the relevant committees at the end of the consultation period.

During the discussion the following points were raised:

•           Currently the report is a ‘wish list’ and required more focus on a specific priority or priorities. 

•           Could schools be included as part of ‘making the most of our assets?

•           Could we include reference to the City being a water fronted authority and the fact that rowing is well support by the City Corporation?

•           Could existing relationships with Sport England and Marathon Charities be expanded?

•           Could opportunities in the wider open spaces beyond the City be explored?

•           Could the existing levels of ‘invisible exercise’ be surveyed; ie – walking, cycling and gym use?  Could gyms offer reduced rates to residents at weekends; as is the case at the Golden Lane Leisure Centre?

The Head of Service advised that a summary of spending was being compiled. The report before Members sought their views on commissioning a review of the commercial prospects of existing assets and how best to promote participation and access. Members noted that a review of needs and opportunities (such as to accessing City gyms at discounted rates) was required and more detailed information on stakeholders’ views.  The Head of Service explained that this would help us to understand

MOTION - That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED, that – under Section 100A (4) of the  Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 (Schedule 12A) of the Local Government Act.

Item no                              para no

9                                       3

12                                     2, 3 & 4

The Director of Secure City Programme to be heard.

Members received a verbal update from the City of London Police.

There were no questions.

There were no items.

Report of the Director of Public Health.

Members received a report of the Director of Public Health.