Lancashire County Council has introduced a new long-term plan to improve public health across the region by focusing on early intervention and better support for families.
The strategy, which was unveiled on May 20, 2026, follows the annual report from the Director of Public Health. It marks a shift in how the council approaches health, aiming to move away from treating illnesses after they appear and instead focusing on preventing health issues before they start.
Recent data highlighted the need for this change, noting that 68.6% of adults in the county are classified as overweight or obese, a figure higher than the national average. Childhood health is also a priority, with 25.7% of reception-aged children in Lancashire listed as overweight or obese. Local leaders indicated that these issues are being treated as a key economic strategy, as poor health creates significant and unsustainable pressure on public services.
The council reports that recent local initiatives have already begun reaching residents. Over the past year, more than 125,000 people took part in a dental health campaign for children, while nearly 7,000 residents engaged with services to help them stop smoking. Additionally, over 20,000 young people participated in programs focused on healthy relationships, and the council delivered more than 36,000 health checks.
Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, Daniel Matchett, is overseeing the implementation of this approach. A more detailed version of the public health strategy is expected to be presented to the cabinet later this summer. The new direction aims to place greater emphasis on the role that homes and local neighbourhoods play in maintaining overall community wellbeing.
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