Decision details

Cabinet considered a report which updated Members on the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority’s commitment to the Marmot Principles and a Health in All Policies approach, and outlined the opportunities for Cheshire East Council in becoming a Marmot Local Authority.

Councillor Clowes spoke as a visiting Member and sought assurance on how the “golden thread” of reducing health inequalities would be embedded in practice, how duplication and gaps between existing programmes would be avoided, how any future activity would be funded given pressures on Public Health budgets, and how progress and impact would be measured consistently across local and sub-regional levels.

In response, the Leader stated that the report was for information only at this stage, with further work needed to address the issues raised which would include engagement with Members and partners, development of governance and delivery arrangements, alignment of existing programmes, consideration of sustainable funding, and the creation of a clear framework to monitor progress and impact over time. The Leader agreed to provide a written response to the questions raised.

Councillor L Wardlaw spoke as a visiting Member and asked whether the Council was effectively already operating as a Marmot Council through its existing commitments, and whether the Combined Authority was aligning to that position. It was asked what additional value formal recognition as a Marmot Local Authority would bring to the Council’s existing work with health and voluntary sector partners.

In response the Leader noted that whilst existing regional and sub-regional commitments provided a strong foundation, the Council had not yet sought formal recognition from the Institute of Health Equity and further work was needed to ensure the Marmot principles were fully embedded. If progressed, this would involve working with the Institute to develop a robust plan and build on current activity. The approach would add value by strengthening and enhancing existing partnerships and efforts to reduce health inequalities, while creating further opportunities to support residents’ health and wellbeing.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Cabinet

1.    Note the contents of the report, including the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority commitment to Marmot Principles and the potential benefits of becoming a Marmot Local Authority in Cheshire East.

2.    Agree to timetable a decision on becoming a Marmot Local Authority area (Autumn 2026).