Policy

Director of Public Health's Report

Overview report on the health of the population in BANES, local health issues and recommendations for change

Published date: 02 August 2023
Last updated: 22 May 2026

Details

Directors of Public Health have a statutory requirement to write an independent annual report on the health of their population, to raise awareness and understanding of local health issues, highlight areas of specific concern and make recommendations for change. The content and structure of the report is decided locally.

In the latest report:

Health inequalities remain a key issue. While overall health in B&NES is good compared to England, some groups experience poorer health outcomes and shorter lives due to unfair and preventable differences.
Focus on fairness and prevention: Tackling inequalities means ensuring everyone has equal opportunities for a long, healthy life by addressing barriers and preventable disadvantages.
The report makes a number of recommendations in Chapter 4 as well as one overall recommendation which is that we make reducing inequalities a collective strategic priority across organisations and partnerships, working closely with local communities.