Supporting local government decision makers to tackle childhood obesity

Abstract: In 2013 public health responsibilities in England shifted from the NHS and returned to local government. While broadly welcome, the move occurred at a time of unprecedented financial pressure on public services and decision makers have been faced with making difficult resource allocation decisions.  

Having spent the last two years working with Birmingham Local Authority, this seminar will provide insights into how evidence is being used to inform decision making. It will first report on a qualitative study that aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the architecture of decision making within local government; recognising the political and cultural contexts; identifying the information needs of decision makers and understanding the main barriers and obstacles to using economic evidence to aid prioritisation, investment and disinvestment. It will then translate these findings alongside the practical experience into what that means for how health economics can help local authorities tackle childhood obesity.  

Childhood obesity presents the biggest global public health challenge of modern times. Vast amounts of research money has been invested across the world and whilst we have now have a reasonable understanding of what causes childhood obesity, and what the consequences are, we have made comparatively less progress with identifying effective solutions to reverse the rising trend. Rates are still rising. This presentation will discuss the work being done across Birmingham to tackle childhood obesity; the challenges encountered; how evidence is being used to inform strategy; and the implications for health economics methods within this setting.