Resolved:

1.         That the report of the Scrutiny Working Group on Reducing Childhood Obesity, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report (CAB 062/101), be noted; and

2.         That the response to the recommendations from the Scrutiny Working Group, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report (CAB 062/101), be agreed; also noting that continuing consideration is to be given to the emerging policy changes and public sector funding decisions of the new Coalition Government that have been made since the agreement of these recommendations by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in July 2010.

Action by:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE (K. COLLINS)

Acting Joint Service Head Scrutiny & Equalities, Chief Executive's (H. Ali)

Scrutiny Policy Manager, Scrutiny & Equalities, Chief Executive's (A. Hoque)

Scrutiny Policy Officer, Scrutiny & Equalities, Chief Executive's (K. McDonald)

Please note that the order of business was varied by resolution of the Mayor and Cabinet earlier in the proceedings in order to allow this item to be considered following Agenda item 5.1 “Chair’s advice of Key Issues or Questions in relation to Unrestricted Business to be considered”, however for ease of reference the deliberations of the Mayor and Cabinet, and subsequent decisions taken, are set out below in the order detailed in the agenda.

Ms Cattermole, Acting Corporate Director Children, Schools and Families, at the request of the Mayor, in introducing the report and in particular the Action Plan in response to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Working Group on Reducing Childhood Obesity, attached at Appendix B to the report, summarised the key points contained therein, highlighting in particular:

·                    Childhood Obesity was a matter of great concern to the Authority and its health partners, with all wanting to take action to tackle it quickly and effectively, particularly with reference to shifting young people and their families to healthier eating patterns. Children, Schools and Families Directorate had therefore been working closely with the Scrutiny Review Group.

·                    The recommended extension of existing free school meal provision to a universal provision for all pupils in Tower Hamlets would require a specific decision by the Mayor and Cabinet. However, given the extremely challenging financial situation currently facing the Council such a step would need very serious consideration.

·                    The recommended closed gate policy at lunchtime would be a matter for the governing body of each school to consider and determine. Post 16 schools would find it particularly difficult to encourage their young people to remain in school for the lunch period. However the Authority was working with schools to encourage young people to make more healthy choices.

·                    The Building Schools for the Future Programme, comprising approximately £300 million capital investment in the Authority’s School Estate, included an element to enhance social space for students which encompassed kitchen and dining areas.

·                    Although delighted with the commendation of the quality of school meals provided in Tower Hamlets schools, by the Scrutiny Review Group, she gave an assurance that the quality of free school meals was exactly the same.

·                    Children, Schools and Families Directorate would be happy to take forward the recommendations of the Scrutiny Review Group across the Council and with its health partners, if it was able to do so.

Mr Collins, Chief Executive, commented that the Secretary of State for Health had the previous day indicated that local authorities were seen by the Coalition Government to be central in delivering on health, as he felt they should be. Officers would be discussing with the Mayor and his Cabinet how this responsibility could be taken forward once there was more clarity as to the resources that needed to come with it.

Councillor Oliur Rahman, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services:

·                    Commented that the report of the Scrutiny Review Group contained some important recommendations, however Scrutiny Lead Members and their Scrutiny Review Groups in making recommendations must be mindful of both the financial implications of these and the financial constraints currently faced by the Authority. Also Scrutiny Lead Members should not abuse their position when leading on Scrutiny Reviews as a medium to score political points.

·                    Sought and was given clarification as to the methodology of the Scrutiny Review Group and facts ascertained which supported its assertion that the provision of free school meals to all pupils in Tower Hamlets would reduce levels of child obesity.

The Mayor Moved the following motionfor the consideration of members of the Cabinet that:

o                   In relation to recommendation 2.1 contained in the report, that the report of the Scrutiny Working Group on Reducing Childhood Obesity, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be noted.

o                   Recommendation 2.2, as set out in the report be agreed.

And it was: -

Resolved:

1.         That the report of the Scrutiny Working Group on Reducing Childhood Obesity, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report (CAB 062/101), be noted; and

2.         That the response to the recommendations from the Scrutiny Working Group, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report (CAB 062/101), be agreed; also noting that continuing consideration is to be given to the emerging policy changes and public sector funding decisions of the new Coalition Government that have been made since the agreement of these recommendations by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in July 2010.

Reasons for Decisions

These are detailed in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.2 of the report (CAB 062/101)

Alternative Options Considered

These are detailed in paragraphs 4.1 to 4.2 of the report (CAB 062/101)