No apologies were received although it was noted that Councillor Vicky Moore was absent.

Members are reminded that they must declare their disclosable pecuniary interests and other registrable or non-registrable interests in any matter being considered at the meeting as set out in Appendix B of the Members’ Code of Conduct and consider if they should leave the room prior to the item being considered. Further advice can be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 27^th January 2025 and 22^nd May 2025.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meetings held on 27 January 2025 and 22 May 2025 be approved and signed as a correct record.

To receive any questions, statements or petitions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14. Deadline for notification is not later than 12 noon on Tuesday 14 October 2025.

There were no public questions.

To receive any questions from Members of the Council. Deadline for notification is not later than 12 noon on Tuesday 14 October 2025.

There were no members’ questions.

To explore how health considerations and prevention should be embedded across the Council.

Contact – Rachel Robinson, Executive Director for Public Health

To Follow

The Executive Director for Public Health presented the report to the committee, together with a presentation to highlight the council-wide application of Health in all policies, the rationale for embedding health considerations in all policy areas, and the processes for impact assessment.

She explained that the 'Health in All Policies' approach was designed to ensure health and wellbeing were considered in all council decisions, focusing on minimising negative impacts and maximising positive outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Members noted that the report was a position statement to update on progress and process. Next steps could include focusing on areas like housing and planning, and members were encouraged to bring specific topics back for further discussion after the upcoming training being run by the LGA.

It was confirmed that the training was free of charge and would include case studies and lessons from other counties. Training materials and notes from the session would be made available to all members.

Members agreed to delegate authority to the Chair and Vice Chair to set up task and finish groups as needed to enable timely scrutiny.

The Executive Director for Public Health agreed to circulate return on investment information and clarification of the thresholds in relation to HiAP.

Members noted the report and the recommendations contained therein.

To receive a verbal update.

Contact – Councillor Rosie Radford

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer provided an update on the Joint HOSC’s recent activities, including scrutiny of NHS service changes, digital exclusion, rural access, and winter preparedness, with committee members highlighting ongoing challenges and the importance of including Healthwatch and voluntary sector perspectives.

To receive a verbal update.

Contact – Councillor Bernie Bentick

The Executive Director of Public Health and the Portfolio Holder for Health summarised the latest Health and Wellbeing Board meeting, which covered winter preparedness, vaccination uptake, cost of living support, frailty strategy, Better Care Fund, and the publication of the annual health and wellbeing report, with emphasis on targeted interventions and partnership working.

To receive a verbal update.

Contact – Sophie Foster, Overview and Scrutiny Officer

Members discussed the initial priorities for scrutiny include planning (especially health in planning policies), housing, digital inclusion/exclusion, and access to NHS dentistry, with the committee agreeing to revisit out-of-hours services after six months of operation.

It was agreed to provide an all-member briefing on Healthwatch’s role, and the committee discussed the value of gathering case studies and lived experiences, particularly regarding transport and access to health services.

Members noted that the review of new out of hours services was being managed by the Joint HOSC, with a formal review planned for April after collecting user experiences over the winter.

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer proposed scheduling informal meetings after the LGA training to refine priorities and set up task and finish groups, with members encouraged to provide feedback and suggest additional topics as needed.

To note that the next meeting of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to take place on Monday 26 January 2026.

Members noted that the next meeting was scheduled for Monday 26 January 2026.