Purpose

Thanet District Council has developed the Health in All Policies (HiAP) to capture the work of the council in a draft Action Plan and incorporate Health Equity considerations into corporate report templates for key decisions. The HiAP provides a coordinated framework that brings together actions already being delivered across the council and its partners.

Decision

Cabinet agreed the following, to:

1. Approve the adoption and implementation of the Health in All Policies (2026);
2. Agree that the provisions of the HiAP be incorporated into other council strategies, as appropriate;
3. Support the continued cross-service and partnership approach to improving health and reducing health inequalities in the district; and note Thanet’s status as an ‘Anchor Organisation’ within the Kent Marmot Coastal Region.

Reasons for the decision

The adoption of the HiAP will give health equity a higher priority and ensure every corporate decision considers these implications for Thanet residents: through the health screening tool, placing health on an equal reporting footing with statutory equality and net-zero obligations. This approach reflects best practice, where adoption of the policy will demonstrate the council’s commitment to health improvement, reducing inequalities, and sustainable growth.

Alternative options considered

Alternative 1 - Adopt the Health in All Policies (HiAP) 2026, with amendments. The policy could be amended to be more or less prescriptive and include different requirements. This policy has been drafted to meet current legislation and guidance requirements.

Alternative 2 - Not to adopt the Health in All Policies (HiAP) 2026, as this is not considered a priority for the council. This option is not recommended given the council’s corporate plan commitments to the health of its residents. This would also reduce emerging opportunities provided by public health partners in using the Kent Marmot Coastal Region framework to aid in effective decision making and securing appropriate funding to reduce health inequalities in Thanet.