Agenda item

Julie Tolhurst, Public Health Principal, and Jen McPhail, Senior Health Improvement Officer were welcomed to the meeting.

Work started in 2018 to plan in order to support a reduction in excess winter deaths. Over several years, work has been undertaken with partners to consider what actions can be collectively undertaken.

Members were reminded of the affect of the cold, which was linked to health inequalities and was also related to deprivation and other social economic factors.  It was noted that Covid-19 was amplifying risk factors associated with the cold.

The Barnsley 2018-19 excess winter deaths rate was 17.7% which was not statistically different to England, however Barnsley is joint 6^th highest when compared to neighbours.  It was noted that other measures rather than excess winter deaths were being considered in light of Covid-19.

A review of the Excess Winter Deaths Plan had commenced in December 2020, aiming to review actions taken and map support available.

Members noted progress made, including establishing a single point of access for warm homes; Better Homes Barnsley improvements in private sector housing; safe and well checks; and work supported by Area Councils to promote winter warmth and falls prevention.  It was also noted that seasonal flu vaccine update was higher than average across age groups.

Members were made aware of current support available and were asked to circulate this information through their networks.

A full review of the Excess Winter Deaths plan was planned in Summer 2021 which would also help to understand resource implications going forward.

It was noted that the plan fed into Zero Carbon work, Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and work to alleviate poverty.  Questions were raised about where this work would best sit strategically.

Those present discussed the geographical variations in excess winter deaths across the borough, noting the relatively small statistics.  Discussions had taken place with Area Council officers to help understand variations, but it was suggested that this was multifactorial. It was acknowledged that a greater understanding would help target resources more effectively.

Members discussed the impact of the behavioural change required in addition to increasing warm homes, especially with the use of new technologies such as air source heat pumps in social housing.

The link between digital exclusion and excess winter deaths was raise, and it was suggested that further work was needed to understand how work in each area could be mutually supportive.

RESOLVED:-

(i)           That the review of the 2018-21 and the work done to address excess winter deaths in Barnsley be noted;

(ii)          That Members agree to raise awareness of current guidance and support locally to address excess winter deaths this winter and beyond;

(iii)        That a review of the plan going forward in to 2021, taking account of the evidence from the Covid-19 pandemic and the zero-carbon commitment be supported;

(iv)        That further consideration be given to where Excess Winter Deaths would best strategically fit.