The government has
announced a new programme to develop local solutions to childhood obesity that
can be shared across the country.
The government is
asking local authorities to apply to its Trailblazer programme, in partnership
with the Local Government Association (LGA).
Speaking at the LGA
obesity conference, Public Health Minister Steve Brine introduced the programme
and invited councils to submit proposals for tackling childhood obesity in
their area when the programme launches in October.
The 3-year programme
forms part of the second
chapter of the government’s childhood obesity plan, launched in the summer,
which included the aim to halve childhood obesity by 2030. One in 3 children
leaves primary school overweight or obese.
All councils will be
invited to apply to the programme and set out their proposals. Up to 12 local
authorities will be supported to develop practical plans, and in spring next
year 5 authorities will be selected.
Trailblazer local
authorities will be on the programme for 3 years. During that time they will be
given expert advice to help realise their plans, as well as £100,000 per year
in funding to support this.
Successful
approaches to reducing childhood obesity will be considered for shaping
national policy.
Steve Brine, Public
Health Minister, said: “We know that when it comes to improving the health of
local communities, local leaders are the real experts. We are looking for
innovation, ambition and passion to tackle childhood obesity, particularly in
deprived areas, where children are more than twice as likely to be an unhealthy
weight.
“Our Trailblazer
programme presents a real opportunity to bring your ideas to life with the help
of dedicated support and guidance. Your proposals will not only improve the
health of children in your own communities but across the country by helping us
to shape future policy on childhood obesity.
“Brilliant,
innovative projects are already taking place across the country, but now is the
time to share your views on what the barriers are and how we can go forward to
tackle this issue together.”
Councillor Ian
Hudspeth, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Unless we
tackle the obesity challenge, today’s obese children will become tomorrow’s
obese adults, whose years of healthy life will be shortened by a whole host of
health problems including diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
“This Trailblazer
programme is a great opportunity for councils to maximise their pioneering work
to tackle obesity and health inequalities. We encourage local authorities to
apply for this funding to tackle the obesity crisis, which is costing the NHS more
than £5 billion a year.”
