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 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.
, 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.
The trailblazer programme is now open for local authorities to
set out their ambitions and ideas to tackle childhood obesity in
their area.
