To inform the Cabinet of the changes to public health and transition process as set out in the Annual Report of the Director of Public and to seek support from the Cabinet that the recommended approach and actions highlighted in the report will inform service development and commissioning aimed at improving health and wellbeing of the population of Herefordshire.

The Director of Public Health presented the annual public health report for 2012, which included information about the changes to public health and the transition process.  The report also incorporated proposals to change ways of working during 2013 to include the Living and Wellbeing Review.  The approach recommended in the report would inform service development and commissioning aimed at improving the public health and wellbeing. 

Members commented that the move to place the responsibility for public health with the Local Authority presented a significant opportunity to make a difference to the Herefordshire population, enabling greater control and a direct and open dialogue with local communities, and helping to steer the ongoing consultations in relation to the Council’s core strategy. 

RESOLVED:   that

(a)             the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report 2012 be received;

(b)             the implementation of the report’s recommendations, and the proposed approach and actions highlighted in the report to inform service development and commissioning during the next planning cycle and in the medium term, be supported; and

(c)          the dissemination of the report and cascade of key messages, be supported.