northlincs.gov.uk

PRESENT: Councillor Barker in the chair.

Councillors Collinson, Eckhardt, Ellerby, Sidell, Simpson and Wells.

The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.

290 DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations of personal or personal and prejudicial interests.

No whip was declared.

291 MINUTES – Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of this panel held on 12 October 2010, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and signed by the chair.

292 PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – There were no requests received.

293 THE STRATEGIC RESPONSE TO HEALTH INEQUALITIES IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE – Presentation from Louise Garnett, NHS North Lincolnshire. The Chair welcomed Louise to the meeting and invited her to conduct a presentation on local health inequalities in order to inform the panel’s work on the strategic response. Louise explained that, whilst health and life expectancy was improving for all North Lincolnshire residents, the gap between the health of the most and least affluent communities was getting larger. Inequalities were particularly marked locally, which remained a concern. Louise then went on to discuss the contributory factors to inequality and premature death, and outlined some policies that could help to tackle the problem.

Resolved – (a) That Louise Garnett be thanked for her attendance and input, and (b) that the situation be noted.

294 DEVELOPMENTS IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE – UPDATE FOR MEMBERS – The Service Director Legal and Democratic outlined a number of key developments in the health and social care field, locally, regionally and nationally. These included the council’s response to the recent White Paper “Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS” and associated papers, ongoing reviews of vascular services, contraception and sexual health, women and children’s services. Members were also briefed on a consultation on adult mental health services and progress towards setting up a GP commissioning consortia.

Resolved – (a) That the situation be noted, and regular updates to the panel be continued, and (b) that the panel take appropriate action where required.

295 (13) LEADER OF THE COUNCIL’S FORWARD PLAN –SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER – The Service Director Legal and Democratic circulated the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council’s Forward Plan for November 2010 to February 2011.

The plan contained details of all matters and issues likely to be the subject of key decisions for a period of the next four months, updated on a monthly basis. Members discussed various items on the Forward Plan.

Resolved – That the item “Private Sector Home Improvement Policy” be included on a future agenda of the panel, with the appropriate officer invited to discuss the issue and answer members’ questions.