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 introduced the programme
and invited councils to submit proposals for tackling
childhood obesity in their area when the programme launches
in October.
The 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 for the 3-year
trailblazer programme.
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.
, 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.
