To consider the recent NHS national and local documents and approve a Herefordshire Council response.  The Department of Health "Choosing Health" executive summary and the Herefordshire PCT "A Strategy for Success: A Statement of Intent" are being circulated separately to Cabinet Members. Copies are available in the Members' Room, on the Council's Website or on request.

THAT    

(a)     Cabinet agrees the attached response to the "Strategy for Success" and "Choosing Health" (Appendix 1);

(b)    Cabinet agrees to invest 50% of the salary costs involved with the post of the Director of Public Health to indicate the Council's commitment to the Government White Paper “Choosing Health”.  In so doing the Council seeks to be equal partners with the PCT in the work programme to be undertaken by the Director in this respect;

(c)     Cabinet welcomes the PCT commitment to strengthen the current section 31 arrangements and to work with the Council in agreeing LPSA2; and

(d)    Cabinet requests Section 31 reports back on how the Council will deliver the six priorities set out in the White Paper.

To ensure Herefordshire Council has advised the local Primary Care Trust of its position in relation to the PCT Statement of Intent and the further development of a joint approach to public health and the public health targets as they apply to Herefordshire.

There are no alternative options.