To receive apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Board.

Members noted that following the Adjourned Annual Council Meeting, the membership of the Sub-Board had been amended to include Councillor Barbara Lewis instead of Councillor Foster.  An apology for absence was subsequently received from Councillor Barbara Lewis and Amanda Moss.

It was reported that, in accordance with the wishes of the Liberal Democrat Group, the membership of the Sub-Board had been amended to include Councillor Long in place of Councillor Douglas-Dunbar.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Board held on 19 March 2026.

The minutes of the meeting of the Sub-Board held on 19 March 2026 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

a)         To receive declarations of non pecuniary interests in respect of items on this agenda

For reference:  Having declared their non pecuniary interest members may remain in the meeting and speak and, vote on the matter in question.  A completed disclosure of interests form should be returned to the Clerk before the conclusion of the meeting.

b)        To receive declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests in respect of items on this agenda

For reference:  Where a Member has a disclosable pecuniary interest he/she must leave the meeting during consideration of the item.  However, the Member may remain in the meeting to make representations, answer questions or give evidence if the public have a right to do so, but having done so the Member must then immediately leave the meeting, may not vote and must not improperly seek to influence the outcome of the matter.  A completed disclosure of interests form should be returned to the Clerk before the conclusion of the meeting.

(Please Note:  If Members and Officers wish to seek advice on any potential interests they may have, they should contact Governance Support or Legal Services prior to the meeting.)

No declarations of interest were made.

To consider a report on the Tobacco and Vapes Framework 2026 – 2031 and make recommendations to Cabinet. 

The Board considered a report on the proposed Tobacco and Vapes Framework 2026–2031, presented by the Public Health Specialist.

Members noted the UK Government had set out an ambition for England to be smokefree by 2030, and that patterns of behaviour had shifted significantly towards vaping.  The Framework sought to align the Council’s approach to tobacco and vaping and strengthen partnership working.

The Board heard a representation from Mr Robert Loxton, who highlighted the need for healthcare assessments to consider both smoking and vaping, particularly in pre-operative contexts.

During discussion, Members raised issues including:

·           the potential impact of future licensing arrangements on retailers;

·           uncertainty regarding the national legislative framework and associated local authority responsibilities;

·           the need for a stronger multi-agency approach, particularly in relation to young people;

·           the concerning evidence that uptake of vaping was occurring at younger ages than previously understood; and

·           the links between vaping, mental wellbeing, and social norms.

Members also noted the opportunity to improve engagement with young people and to adopt a broader harm reduction approach.

Resolved:

1)     that the Cabinet be recommended to approve the Tobacco and Vapes Framework 2026–2031; and

2)     that, once the details of the licensing regime were confirmed through secondary legislation, the Board receive a further briefing on its implications.

To consider a report on the Specialist Stop Smoking Service Procurement and make recommendations to Cabinet. 

The Board considered the submitted report on the procurement of a Specialist Stop Smoking Service.  Members discussed a range of issues including:

·        the appropriateness of body mass index (BMI) as a measure within public health approaches;

·        the need to consider a distinct service model for young people, particularly given the rise in vaping;

·        market limitations identified during the options appraisal;

·        the relative affordability and accessibility of vaping products;

·        the environmental impact of disposable vaping devices.

It was noted that the options appraisal predated recent youth engagement findings, and that future service models would need to reflect emerging evidence and strengthen links between adult and youth provision.

Resolved:

1)     that the Cabinet be recommended to delegate authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Equalities, to award the contract to the selected provider following a compliant procurement process;

2)     that the delegation be subject to there being no material changes to the specification, budget, or procurement process as set out in the report, with any significant changes requiring a further report; and

3)     that the Sub-Board request the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinator consider adding the environmental impacts of vaping to the Overview and Scrutiny work programme.

To approve the work programme for the Sub-Board for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year.

The Board considered its Work Programme for the 2026/2027 municipal year.

Members discussed future items, including the need to clarify issues relating to hospital services and ongoing health campaigns.

Resolved:

1)     that the Work Programme for 2026/2027, as presented, be approved; and

2)     that the programme be kept under regular review by the Chair and Vice-Chair, in consultation with the Senior Democratic Services Officer.

To receive an update on the implementation of the actions of the Sub-Board and consider any further actions required (as set out in the submitted action tracker).

The Sub-Board noted the submitted action tracker.