28/02/06 - Public service agreement (PSA) : child obesity

Tackling child obesity : first steps examines the effectiveness of the mechanisms to deliver government PSA targets. The report is published jointly by National Audit Office, Audit Commission and Healthcare Commission. The incidence of childhood obesity grew from 9.6% in 1995 to 13.7% in 2003. Obesity now costs the NHS around £1 billion a year. The target is jointly owned by Department of Health, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and Department for Education and Skills. The report recommends:

• greater clarity and direction from central Government: it is essential that the three departments work closely together to provide strong leadership;
• better definition of regional roles and responsibilities: Government Offices for the Regions could play a greater role in bringing together the various elements of the delivery chain;
• strengthening local partnerships: local structures and mechanisms, such as local strategic partnerships and children’s trusts, exist to promote joint working and have the potential to reduce the risk of duplication of activities by bringing together funding around agreed priorities;
• more support for front line staff: better information and training on roles and responsibilities and improved dissemination of advice and guidance.

(NAO - press release) DH press release