Decision details

The Director of Public Health and the Director of Children and Families submitted a joint report which provided a mid-term update and information on the successes and progress made to date in delivering the Leeds Breastfeeding Plan. The report also outlined plans to develop further work based upon consultation and to maintain progress by gaining support for a wider environmental and cultural approach towards the promotion of breastfeeding.

In presenting the submitted report, the Executive Member for ‘Health, Wellbeing and Adults’ highlighted how Leeds Community Health Care Services, supported by Public Health, had achieved the Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative Gold Award. In addition, emphasis was placed upon the key health and wellbeing benefits arising from breastfeeding, and as such the cultural change which was needed in order to further promote breastfeeding across the city.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Leeds Breastfeeding Plan, as detailed within the submitted report, together with the impact of implementing the priority actions to date, be acknowledged;

(b)  That a wider environmental and cultural approach towards the promotion of breastfeeding be supported;

(c)  That Members’ comments regarding the proposed Leeds Breastfeeding Plan priority actions for 2018/19 be noted, and that the delivery of the priorities through Council work programmes (e.g. Increasing Breastfeeding Friendly venues and spaces within the Local Authority), be supported;

(d)  That the opportunity to be involved in consultation and engagement about the Breastfeeding Plan priorities for 2019/20, be noted;

(e)  That support be provided for the development of further preventive health initiatives targeting Leeds’ most deprived communities, which is in line with the Health and Wellbeing Board’s commitment and plan to improve the health of the poorest fastest;

(f)  That the Board’s agreement be given to lobby Government to passport the tax raised from the advertising of infant formula, in order to provide more funding for peer support and public health initiatives which support breastfeeding;

(g)  That it be noted that the Director of Public Health and the Director of Children and Families will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

(At the conclusion of this item, Councillor A Carter left the meeting, and in line with Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 3.1.6, and at this point Councillor Lamb was invited to attend for the remainder of the meeting on behalf of Councillor Carter)