Agenda item

To consider the following Notice of Motion, which has been submitted by Cllr A.H. Crawford, pursuant to Standing Order 9 (1):

“This Council undertakes to use all means at its disposal, including working with partner organisations, to tackle the crisis of obesity that is afflicting many residents of the borough, including children and young people."

The Council was asked to consider a Motion which had been submitted by Cllr A.H. Crawford in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 9 (1).  It was MOVED by Cllr A.H. Crawford; SECONDED by Cllr P.F. Rust – That

“This Council undertakes to use all means at its disposal, including working with partner organisations, to tackle the crisis of obesity that is afflicting many residents of the Borough, including children and young people.”

Speaking in support of his Motion, Cllr Crawford referred to the increasing toll taken by obesity on the NHS, with more people being admitted to hospital with heart conditions, gallstones problems or needing hip and knee replacements related to their weight.    NHS data showed an 18% increase in admissions over the previous year for obesity treatment – usually stomach-reducing surgery – or conditions caused or complicated by obesity, such as heart disease or pregnancy.   Cllr Crawford also quoted recent press coverage given to the fact that obesity increased the risk of developing and dying from bowel cancer by 1.5 times, with the association being stronger for men than women.  

A further cause for concern was that couples who were obese could be risking the health of their future children, according to experts who were calling for far more awareness of the effects of modern lifestyles on babies in the womb.  Cllr Crawford also referred to the fact that most studies suggested that eating lots of fibre reduced the risk of obesity, but that may be partly because people who were a healthy weight tended to have a high-fibre diet.

Cllr Crawford spoke of the work of the Leisure and Youth Panel in 2017 when it had examined the issue of the healthy weight of children and said that the Council needed to do more work in this area.    He referred to his on-going survey on small playgrounds in Farnborough and Aldershot that had received 353 responses so far.  The risk of obesity was one of the main factors that concerned respondents, 96% of whom wanted the Council to maintain the nineteen small playgrounds that the Leisure and Youth Panel had heard were approaching the end of their life.

Cllr Crawford was of the opinion that the Council needed to make a more extensive commitment in providing a lead on what was a serious obesity crisis, including for the Borough’s children and young people – and not least by investing and sustaining the small playgrounds where young children could enjoy exercise. 

During discussion, reference was made to the Council’s on-going work with partners in tackling obesity, which had been identified as a key priority area.  The view was expressed that the Motion gave the impression that obesity was being neglected and therefore it was MOVED by Cllr Barbara Hurst; SECONDED by Cllr Sue Carter that the Motion be amended as follows:

“Recognising the valuable work already being carried out with a wide range of partners, this Council re-affirms obesity as a key health priority and also its commitment to improve the health of Rushmoor residents of all ages.  Consequently, this Council will consider, with partners, any measures aimed at tackling both the causes and effects of obesity.”

Following debate, the Amended Motion was put to the Meeting.  There voted FOR: 25; AGAINST; 0, whereupon the Amended Motion became the Substantive Motion. 

Arising out of further discussion, it was MOVED by Cllr Keith Dibble; SECONDED by Cllr Jennifer Evans - That the Substantive Motion be amended to add: “That Rushmoor sets a target by 2020 to reduce obesity in Year 6 children by 50%.” During debate on this amendment, it was suggested that the issues raised would be better dealt with by a committee, which could examine them in detail.  Cllr Keith Dibble then withdrew his Amendment in favour of referring the Substantive Motion to the appropriate body. 

It was then MOVED by Cllr D.E. Clifford; SECONDED by Cllr Keith Dibble that the Substantive Motion be referred to the appropriate body for further discussion.   After debate, this was put to the meeting.   There voted FOR: 32; AGAINST: 0 and the Motion to refer the issue to the appropriate body for further discussion was DECLARED CARRIED.