Agenda item

The South Kesteven Health and Wellbeing Action Plan was introduced by the Physical Activity and Wellbeing Lead.

The officer outlined the following:

1.    An overview of South Kesteven’s Health and Wellbeing Action Plan and progress made to date, with future recommendations.

a.    Regular six-monthly updates had since been presented to Members of the Rural and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee highlighting the success of the bespoke South Kesteven Health and Wellbeing Action Plan. The initial twelve-month period was extended for another twelve months with a refreshed action plan developed in June 2025. The second twelve-month period had now come to an end, which led to further discussions with other district council representatives within Lincolnshire around the direction of this work.

b.    Whilst work was still being undertaken across South Kesteven, several of the actions were considered as ‘ongoing’. In addition, a number of these actions were also reported as Key Performance Indicators which were considered by the relevant scrutiny committee and therefore continuing to report on the action plan represented a duplication of work.

c.     Therefore, Members of the Rural and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee were asked to consider ceasing the six-monthly South Kesteven Health and Wellbeing Action Plan updates. However, it was proposed that a six-monthly update on the significant work being undertaken for South Kesteven to become an Age Friendly Community continued to be reported and this report included an update on work being undertaken in relation to health and wellbeing. 

2.    An update on the progress of Age Friendly Communities work in South Kesteven. 

a.    The final stage in Step 1 of SKDC’s Age Friendly programme was to pull together the local data that had been collected over the last 12 months to create the baseline profile. The baseline profile would in turn move SKDC into Step 2: Plan Strategically. This second step would determine the vision, priorities and an action plan for South Kesteven. Section 2.16 of the report outlined the work undertaken to feed into the baseline profile.

b.    The Council also celebrated Age Without Limits Day on Wednesday 10th June, with the view in future years to collaborate with local organisations to encourage events across the district. 

c.     In support of the Age Friendly Work and interest levels from residents wanting to become a community champion, officers were exploring options to launch a Community Champion scheme/Older Persons Forum in South Kesteven. 

During discussions, the following comments were made:

-       It was confirmed that the Age Friendly Action Plan would be presented to the committee by the October meeting.

-       Members were reassured that ceasing the six-monthly updates on the South Kesteven Health and Wellbeing Action Plan was not intended to avoid scrutiny, rather to stop a duplication of work. It was also noted that partner authorities were no longer reporting.

-       The Deputy Leader confirmed the Cabinet’s view that they endorsed the recommendations within the report.

-       It was noted that the Cabinet Member for Property and Public Engagement had presented apologies for the meeting but had been involved in the process of developing the report.

Following discussions, it was proposed, seconded, and AGREED to:

1.   Note the information provided within the report.

2.  Agree to the cessation of six-monthly updates on the South Kesteven Health and Wellbeing Action Plan.

3.  Agree to receive six-monthly updates on the work being undertaken in South Kesteven as part of the UK Network of Age Friendly Communities which will include an overview of work being undertaken in relation to health and wellbeing.