We are responsible for improving and protecting the health and wellbeing of the local community. A key area of focus is reducing inequalities in health between different groups of people and communities.
 

We work with local people, communities, other parts of the council and many other partners, in a variety of ways. These include:
 

• Providing an advisory role assisting organisations which plan and provide health care to understand the health needs of the local population and plan services to meet those needs.

• Commissioning services to improve the health of the population and reduce health inequalities using the public health ringfenced grant.

• Protecting individuals and communities from infectious diseases and environmental hazards.

• Making sure that the borough is as prepared as possible for conceivable emergencies which might impact on people’s health.

• Leading the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and production of the Director of Public Health Annual Report, setting out the health and wellbeing priorities for the population.

• Supporting and developing the local economy by promoting and supporting local businesses and removing illicit goods and businesses from the marketplace. 

• Building safer communities by tackling bogus callers and sale of alcohol to minors. 

• Protecting vulnerable residents from financial abuse and scamming. 

• Inspecting all food premises in the borough to ensure food safety compliance. 

• Ensuring air quality in the borough is maintained and improved.