Public Health
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
- Lambeth Council is seeking public health input for its Local Plan in September 2026. Source
- Brent Council's Health and Wellbeing Board is exploring the impact of housing on health outcomes in August 2026. Source
- Bexley Council is addressing rising obesity rates, with data presented in June 2026 showing one in four adults are living with obesity. Source
- 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.