Physical Activity
Councils are discussing strategies to promote physical activity and tackle rising obesity, with recent decisions on leisure facilities and programme effectiveness.
Councils are currently addressing public health challenges related to physical activity. Bexley's Adult Social Care & Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed rising obesity rates in June 2026, noting one in four adults and one in five reception-aged children are affected. In Islington, the Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee heard in April 2026 that the HealthWise programme exceeded targets, with 93% of participants achieving at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.
Alongside programme effectiveness, councils are investing in infrastructure and broader strategies. Hackney Council's Cabinet approved £74,143 in external funding in July 2026 for the refurbishment of the Joe White Gardens basketball court. Redbridge Council's Homes and Neighbourhoods Policy Development Committee outlined priorities in March 2026 to enhance leisure and community initiatives, focusing on increasing accessibility to facilities. Lambeth's Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed plans for promoting physical activity in June 2026.
The topic of physical activity, which involves bodily movement requiring energy expenditure, is also being examined through data and specific health needs. Newham's Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission identified data inconsistencies in leisure services in September 2025, prompting a review of physical activity programmes. In October 2025, Barking and Dagenham's Health Scrutiny Committee noted a lack of stroke-specific exercise programmes compared to other areas.
Key facts
- Hackney Council's Cabinet approved £74,143 external funding for the Joe White Gardens basketball court refurbishment in July 2026. Source
- Bexley's Adult Social Care & Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed in June 2026 that one in four adults in the borough are living with obesity. Source
- Islington's HealthWise programme achieved 93% of participants doing at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, as heard in April 2026. Source
- Croydon's Health and Wellbeing Survey in March 2026 showed 31% of pupils exercising every day. Source
- Islington's Health and Wellbeing Board heard in March 2026 that nearly half of adult residents have an unhealthy body mass index. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.