Derby City Council has become the second local authority in the East Midlands, following Leicester, to adopt the Local Authority Healthy Weight Declaration. This important commitment reinforces the council’s dedication to tackling obesity and promoting healthier lifestyles by improving the availability, accessibility, and affordability of healthier food, while also creating more opportunities for physical activity.
The declaration was officially signed by Derby City Council’s Chief Executive Paul Simpson, Director of Public Health Dr. Robyn Dewis, and Councillor Alison Martin, Cabinet Member for Integrated Health and Adult Care, alongside representatives from Food Active. By adopting this declaration, the council is taking a proactive step toward ensuring that healthy choices are more accessible to all residents.
Councillor Alison Martin highlighted the crucial role of making healthy choices easier, both to enhance public health and reduce the strain on healthcare services. She emphasized the importance of providing safe, open spaces for physical activity and ensuring that affordable, nutritious food options are readily available across the city. The commitments set out in the declaration are designed to make it easier for Derby residents to eat well and stay active, supporting the council’s broader work with city partners to build a healthier, more vibrant Derby.
Recent statistics show the scale of the challenge: in 2022/23, 19.7% of children in Derby started school overweight or obese, with this figure rising to 40.4% by Year 6—above the national average of 36.6%. Additionally, only 38.1% of children aged 5-16 in Derby meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, falling short of both regional and national averages.
Since its first adoption by Blackpool Council in 2016, the Healthy Weight Declaration has influenced local healthy weight policies across the UK. Dr. Robin Ireland, Director of Research at Food Active, praised Derby City Council for its commitment to creating healthier environments. Residents of Derby can access support through initiatives such as Livewell, Move More Derby, and the Derby County Community Trust’s health programmes.
For more information on the Local Authority Healthy Weight Declaration, click here.
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