Issue - meetings

1)  That the progress of the Maidstone Health Inequalities Action Plan to date be noted;

2)  That the future priorities for the Maidstone Health Inequalities Action Plan be agreed; and

3)  That the refreshed action plan be adopted.

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Housing and Community Services which related to the Maidstone Health Inequalities Action Plan – Progress Report.

The Housing and Health Officer advised Members that the report updated the Committee on the progress of the action plan and confirmed the Council’s commitment going forward in tackling the borough’s health inequality.

Members noted that in 2012 Kent County Council adopted the Kent Health Inequalities Action Plan titled ‘Mind the Gap Building Bridges to better health for all’ 2012-2015.  In 2014 the Council adopted its own Health Inequalities Action Plan, which runs until 2020, to demonstrate how the County wide objectives could be delivered locally.

The Action Plan had been refreshed as there was a need to review progress to ensure priorities are still relevant and the Council was working to meet the needs of its communities.

In response to Members’ queries, the Housing and Health Officer advised that:-

·  The Data used was from Public Health England and some was presented in national terms, whilst others were presented in regional terms.

·  That the next progress report would detail the commitments from the Chief Executive and Leader.

·  All new housing developments have provision for affordable housing, 40% in the rural areas and 35% in the town centre.  Two thirds of those would be affordable housing and one third would be low rent.

RESOLVED:

1)  That the progress of the Maidstone Health Inequalities Action Plan to date be noted;

2)  That the future priorities for the Maidstone Health Inequalities Action Plan be agreed; and

3)  That the refreshed action plan be adopted.

Voting:  For:  9  Against:  0   Abstentions:  0