Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Public Health setting out the findings and recommendations of the 2023 Director of Public Health Annual Report - ‘Ageing Well: Our Lives in Leeds’. The Director of Public Health has a statutory duty to publish a report annually describing the health of the population and to make recommendations to improve health.

The Director of Public Health submitted an Annual Report for 2023 entitled, ‘Ageing Well: Our Lives in Leeds’ which fulfilled the requirement of the Director to publish a report on an annual basis which described the health of the population in Leeds and which made recommendations regarding the improvement of health in the city.  It was noted that this 2023 Annual Report brought together lived experiences of ageing well amongst Leeds’ citizens having listened to the voices and stories of local people as well as professionals who work in this field. The report also reviewed relevant data and evidence in relation to ageing well.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member provided an overview and highlighted a number of key elements including the disparities around life expectancy and how people aged across different parts of the city. The Director’s recommendations arising from the report were also highlighted. It was noted that the report had recently been considered by the Health and Wellbeing Board. 

The Director of Public Health highlighted that whilst Leeds was a relatively young city demographically, there would be an increase in the older population in the coming years, hence the ongoing work being undertaken in response to that evolving demographic change.

Also, it was noted that Leeds was in a strong position given its approach as an age friendly city, but still further action needed to be taken in this area. It was highlighted that a different approach towards the ageing well agenda was needed, in order to ensure that public services remained sustainable moving forward. It was noted that whilst the Director’s report included recommendations to the Council, it also contained recommendations to a range of partners.

Responding to a Member’s enquiries covering a range of issues, the Board received further details on the actions being taken to improve health outcomes and life expectancy generally. It was noted that whilst this report was entitled ‘Ageing Well’, focus was placed on an individual’s health from birth onwards and that there was continued investment into prevention work and Public Health programmes. It was also noted that these actions were being taken alongside the support provided to NHS partners in the delivery of their services. Further to this, it was highlighted that there was more targeted work in place for those parts of the city with the poorest health outcomes.

Particular reference was made to the age friendly approach taken in Leeds and how this covered areas such as transport provision and road safety for older people. Regarding public transport, details were provided on the collaborative work being undertaken with WYCA in this area, however, it was acknowledged that whilst improvements were being made, further consideration needed to be given to the provision of cross-Authority transport services and those affecting the communities in the outer areas of the city.  Information was also provided on matters such as the actions being taken to increase uptake of cancer screening services and also how there was close collaborative working with Neighbourhood Networks across the city.

It was highlighted that poverty remained the issue with the most significant impact on an individual’s life expectancy, with further information being provided on the practical work undertaken in this area.

RESOLVED – That in order to increase the number of years spent in good health in Leeds:-

(i)  The findings and recommendations of the 2023 Director of Public Health Annual Report, as presented within the submitted report and appendices, be noted; and

(ii)  The recommendations identified for Leeds City Council within the Director of Public Health’s submitted Annual Report for 2023, be noted and supported.