Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Interim Corporate Director of Adult and Health Services and Director of Public Health which presented the 2024 Annual Report of the Director of Public Health for County Durham (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes).

Councillor C Hood, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult and Health Services welcomed and moved the Independent Annual Report. Councillor Hood spoke of the focus on the future health of County Durham residents. The work carried out with a range of key stakeholders to produce a comprehensive ‘Dementia in County Durham’ needs and asset assessment and the approach to wellbeing in developing the ‘Growing up in County Durham’ Strategy was highlighted. Councillor Hood also referred to the case study regarding the ambassador programme which had supported people into training and employment. The Annual Report built upon existing work and also identified new opportunities.

Councillor R Bell, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance seconded the annual report. Councillor Bell highlighted the worrying national projections developed by the Health Foundation, citing statistics around anxiety and depression. There were positive examples of what could be done to prevent some of the issues and gave examples of some of the case studies with the report. Councillor Bell spoke of the importance of using the report to guide resources to best meet the challenges ahead.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.