URL: https://democracy.northdevon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4340

Decision Maker: Policy Development Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Committee discussed the actions and outcomes of the committee meeting held on 10 July 2025 which considered and discussed health inequalities and GP surgeries within the North Devon area.   The Chair advised that Councillor Wilson, who led this meeting, was unable to attend and had provided an update report to be considered in her absence.  He advised that Councillor Wilson had recommended two actions following the 10 July 2025 meeting which were as follows:   1.     Supporting Age Concern North Devon with funding; 2.     To set up a small working group as suggested by Dr Nigel Moody to explore potential solutions and models for improving engagement with healthcare particularly in harder to reach communities e.g. farmers, digitally isolated, elderly, rural, street homelessness etc.  She said that the Council could use special events together with its existing communications and channels.  Steve Brown of Devon County Council Public Health had also emailed to add his interest in collaboration, and the Lead for Primary Care Network for Braunton and Ilfracombe also expressed a wish to collaborate. Between us all we have a lot of reach into different communities in Devon.   In response to questions, the Head of Governance advised the following:   ·       That further funding for Age Concern North Devon could be considered as part of the budget setting process.   The Committee thanked the Corporate and Community Services Officer for her work in supporting the committee in this area of work.   RESOLVED:   (a)  That further funding for Age Concern North Devon be considered as part of the review of the strategic grants in the budget setting process and other options for funding be explored; (b)  That a small working group be appointed to continue to look at potential solutions and models for improving engagement with healthcare particularly with harder to reach communities as follows: a.      That three Members be appointed to the working group (Councillors Coombs, Wilson and one other) and that the working group be Chaired by Councillor Wilson; b.     That interested parties Dr Nigel Moody, Director of Public Health, Age Concern North Devon and the Lead for Primary Care Network for Braunton and Ilfracombe be invited to attend.

Date of Decision: September 11, 2025