Newcastle strengthens commitment to healthy weight and reducing inequalities

Newcastle City Council has strengthened its commitment to improving residents’ health by signing the Local Authority Healthy Weight Declaration.

The council signed the declaration on 1 July 2026, demonstrating a whole-council commitment to reducing unhealthy weight, tackling health inequalities and creating a healthier food environment.

The Healthy Weight Declaration includes 16 commitments covering leadership, commercial influences, healthier environments and cultural change. Together, these commitments provide a framework for coordinated action across council services to improve the health and wellbeing of residents and staff.

The signing came as Newcastle City Council was named the North East’s ‘Most Improved’ council in the Good Food Local Awards. The Good Food Local benchmarking framework supports local authorities to take action across the food system, helping residents access food that is affordable, healthy and environmentally sustainable.

Newcastle’s benchmarking score increased from 44% to 70% in two years, reflecting stronger partnership working and a more coordinated approach to food across the city.

The council achieved ‘Leadership’ status in five areas: food growing; community food action; addressing food poverty; catering and procurement; and food for the planet. It also demonstrated ‘Good Practice’ in five further areas, including food governance and strategy, cash-first responses to food insecurity and school food.

The award recognised the council’s work with partners, including Food Newcastle, to build a healthier and more sustainable local food system. Its commitment to the Real Living Wage and expansion of holiday activities and food programmes received particular recognition.

This coordinated action is especially important given the scale of the challenges facing the city. More than 66% of adults in Newcastle are living with overweight or obesity, over 35% of children are living in poverty and around 40,000 residents rely on food banks.

Councillor Wendy Taylor, Cabinet Member for Integrated Health and Adult Social Care, said:

“We are delighted to be recognised as the North East’s most improved council in the Good Food Local benchmarking. This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff, partners and communities, and the strength of collaboration across our city.

“Improving our food system isn’t just about what we eat; it is about tackling inequality, supporting mental wellbeing, reducing poverty and building a more sustainable future. By signing the Healthy Weight Declaration, we are demonstrating our commitment to making it easier for everyone in Newcastle to eat well and live healthier lives.”

Dr Robin Ireland, Director of Research at Health Equalities Group, said:

“The Healthy Weight Declaration recognises that creating healthier communities requires action across many different areas, from planning and transport to food access and community wellbeing.

“We are delighted that Newcastle City Council has signed the declaration and demonstrated its commitment to a coordinated approach to improving health and reducing inequalities. This is an important step towards supporting residents to eat well, be active and enjoy healthier lives.”

The council will continue working with communities, businesses and voluntary-sector partners to strengthen local food networks, support early intervention and create a fairer, more sustainable and resilient food system.

This work forms part of Newcastle’s wider commitment to placing food security, sustainability and health equity at the heart of the city’s future.