Issue

Public Health

18 stories · discussed at 13 council meetings · 17 councils

Councils are integrating public health into local planning and housing strategies, with new appointments and financial challenges also under discussion.

Lambeth Council is seeking public health input to shape its Local Plan, which must identify opportunities to promote good health, as required by a revised national planning policy framework (September 2026). Brent Council's Health and Wellbeing Board is exploring the impact of housing, particularly temporary accommodation, on residents' health outcomes (August 2026). Newham Council appointed a new Director of Public Health in September 2026.

Bexley Council is addressing rising obesity rates among adults and children, with data presented in June 2026 showing higher prevalence in deprived areas. In February 2026, Newham Council's Cabinet paused plans for fortnightly waste collections due to public health concerns. Bexley's Adult Social Care and Public Health Directorate is forecasting a £3.621 million overspend for the 2025/26 financial year, reported in February 2026.

The topic of public health, which concerns measures to protect and improve the health of the population, is on the agenda for upcoming meetings of the Richmond upon Thames Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee in September 2026 and the Barnet Safer Communities Partnership Board in September 2026.

Key facts

  1. Lambeth Council is seeking public health input for its Local Plan in September 2026. Source
  2. Brent Council's Health and Wellbeing Board is exploring the impact of housing on health outcomes in August 2026. Source
  3. Bexley Council is addressing rising obesity rates, with data presented in June 2026 showing one in four adults are living with obesity. Source
  4. Bexley's Adult Social Care and Public Health Directorate is forecasting a £3.621 million overspend for 2025/26, reported in February 2026. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. 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.

Latest stories

  1. Lambeth Local Plan development: Public health input sought Lambeth Council is seeking public health input to shape its forthcoming Local Plan, a crucial document outlining the borough's development over the next 10-15 years. The plan,... Lambeth 19 September 2026
  2. Council questions economic case for Heathrow growth Richmond upon Thames Council has formally objected to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), citing significant concerns over the economic case,... Richmond upon Thames 14 August 2026
  3. Brent Council to explore housing's impact on health outcomes Brent Council's Health and Wellbeing Board is set to explore the profound impact of housing on the health outcomes of its residents. This commitment follows discussions at a... Brent 4 August 2026
  4. New Families, Health and Care Policy and Accountability Committee established in Hammersmith and Fulham Hammersmith and Fulham has established a new committee to scrutinise health and care services across the borough. The Families, Health and Care Policy and Accountability... Hammersmith and Fulham 30 June 2026
  5. Kingston to re-establish Health & Wellbeing Board Kingston Council is set to re-establish a dedicated Health and Wellbeing Board as part of a move to enhance its public health duties and improve collaboration with partners. The... Kingston upon Thames 27 June 2026
  6. Bexley Council Tackles Rising Obesity Rates with Multi-faceted Strategies Bexley is facing a significant public health challenge with rising rates of obesity among both adults and children, a recent council meeting revealed. Bexley 26 June 2026
  7. Enfield Council explores new policies to curb fast food impact on public health Enfield Council is implementing measures to encourage healthier food options and address the impact of fast-food outlets on public health, with the long-term goal of tackling... Enfield 25 March 2026
  8. Newham Standards Committee Reviews Councillor Development Programme The Newham Standards Committee met on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, to discuss a comprehensive Member Induction and Development Programme for 2026/27. This programme aims to equip... Newham 18 March 2026