Councils set to 'trailblaze' projects to tackle child obesity

Public health minister Steve Brine, speaking at a Local Government Association (LGA) conference on obesity, said a Department of Health trailblazer scheme, delivered in partnership with the LGA, would see authorities bid for funding to help the government reach its target of halving childhood obesity by 2030.

NHS data suggests nearly a quarter of children in England are obese or overweight by the time they start primary school aged five - rising to one third by the time they leave aged 11.

Under the scheme, up to 12 local authorities will be selected to develop plans to reduce obesity rates in their area.

After spring 2019, five of the group will be selected to receive £100,000 a year to act as trailblazer local authorities for three years.

Areas that show successful results will feed their strategies back to government to be included in national anti-childhood obesity policies.

Public health minister Steve Brine said the scheme was particularly looking for ideas to tackle the issue in deprived areas, where children are more than twice as likely to be an unhealthy weight.

"We know that when it comes to improving the health of local communities, local leaders are the real experts," he said.

"Our Ttailblazer programme presents a real opportunity to bring your ideas to life with the help of dedicated support and guidance.

"Brilliant, innovative projects are already taking place across the country, but now is the time to share your views on what the barriers are and how we can go forward to tackle this issue together."