Agenda item

Richard Samuel, Chairman of the Camden Residents’ Association made a statement to the Select Committee on the subject of Air Quality and Public Health. A copy of the statement can be found online as an appendix to these minutes and on the Select Committee’s Minute Book, a summary is set out below.

He explained that air pollution is a major killer in the UK and that the Department of Health estimates that 29,000 deaths annually are attributable to it. He added that one of the principle pollutants is nitrous oxides which are largely emitted by diesel motor vehicles.

He said that further health impacts are caused by PM particulates which are too fine to be captured by the nasal passages and lodge in the lungs creating risks of cancer.

He stated that the Director of Public Health has a crucial role in taking an overview of the public health risks associated with air pollution and poor air quality. He added that in March this year that DEFRA and the Department of Health issued guidance to Directors of Public Health concerning their responsibilities in tackling this serious issue.

He said that the last report of the B&NES Director of Public Health was published in 2016 and was largely silent on the question of air quality.

He wished to call on the Select Committee to examine why this clear risk to public health has not in the past formed part of the report. He urged the Select Committee to ensure that air quality becomes a top corporate priority for the Council and that the Health & Wellbeing Board is held accountable for clear actions to reduce the impacts of vehicle pollution.

Councillor Geoff Ward commented that the Environmental Health department would have a monitoring role on air quality.

Bruce Laurence, Director of Public Health agreed that this was an important issue and that his team had a role to play in educating public on avoiding high areas of air pollution. He added that guidelines from NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) were due soon.

He explained that the Director’s report was a 20 page document that provides a summary of a range of topics and that in the next edition there would be a section on air quality.

Councillor Paul May said that all areas of B&NES should be looked at as the levels in Whitchurch were 18% higher than the London Road.

The Chair commented that traffic levels in Saltford were also significant.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson said Westfield was the worst polluted area in B&NES and that the Parish Council was looking to address this through their Neighbourhood Plan. She added she felt that one of the main contributing factors were drivers with their engines on when collecting children from school.

The Chair thanked Richard Samuel on behalf of the Select Committee for his statement.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson addressed the Select Committee following concerns raised by Lady Hylton on the employment opportunities for people with Down’s Syndrome and Autism. She questioned how many adults with these and other related issues are employed, seeking employment or have faced barriers in gaining employment.

The Director of Integrated Health & Care Commissioning replied that there were clear targets for the CCG and the Council to meet in terms of providing support to people with learning difficulties and that this data was tracked carefully under a focussed strategy.

She suggested that the Select Committee receive a briefing on this subject at a future meeting that also looks at the links to the new models of care coming in.

James Scott, Chief Executive, RUH informed the Select Committee of the work involving young people at the hospital and Project SEARCH which is a programme to help young adults with learning disabilities learn skills necessary for future employment.

He said that of the 61 students that had taken part in Project SEARCH, 45 were now employed with 32 of them at the RUH. He said that these were the most successful figures in Europe.

Councillor Tim Ball wished to highlight the work of Three Ways School and the nearby Sainsbury’s in Odd Down. He said that 10 former pupils were still working there with some now in managerial positions.

He also proposed that the Children & Young People Panel be sent the briefing when it had been written.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson spoke to the Select Committee regarding The Potting Shed, Radstock. She said that Sirona don’t want to be involved anymore and are reluctant to meet to discuss transition. She added that Virgin Care refuse to talk to the project leaders and think they should just organise themselves. She said however, a donor has paid the rent for the site for the next 12 months. She asked if any guidance could be provided by officers for a way forward.

The Director of Integrated Health & Care Commissioning replied that she was aware that small pots of funding had been used over the years and that good will was still present from the volunteers involved in the project. She added that officers were looking into what can possibly be achieved for the future.

The Chair thanked Councillor Jackson for her statement on behalf of the Select Committee.