Taking a systems approach for creating healthy urban places to Westminster

 

Sarah Ayres, Professor of Public Policy and Governance, University of Bristol; Stephen Aldridge, Director for Analysis and Data, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government; and Geoff Bates, Lecturer at the Institute for Policy Research, University of Bath set out the next steps for our work to take health thinking into account across government following an inaugural gathering of key actors in Westminster on July 9^th 2024.

 

In a bid to find creative ways to improve public health and tackle health inequality, TRUUD joined forces with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (formally the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities), to explore ideas and solutions around taking a systems approach to the issue. With an invited audience of more than 100 critical decision-makers from across the public, private and third sectors we explored how we can use innovative science and new evidence (from TRUUD and elsewhere) to improve the places where we live and work.

Through taking a systems approach we aim to support joined up, creative and solutions-focussed thinking across sectors and geographical areas to achieve healthier urban development.

In the next parliament there is a renewed focus on reducing social and spatial inequalities and there will be new opportunities for urban development in the Government’s target to deliver 1.5 million new homes and build new towns. Our event was a timely intervention given the growing burden of non-communicable diseases on individuals, health services and our economy.

Exploring the themes

The event built on our valued collaboration which is based on  enhancing the profile of health outcomes in Whitehall urban development decision-making. We have been working together since Summer 2023 to integrate a new economic valuation model, Health Appraisal for Urban Systems (HAUS), into MHCLG’s appraisal systems and guidance.  Now we could explore the potential implications of TRUUD’s work with MHCLG for the wider system.

We kicked off after a networking lunch with presentations of the HAUS tool and its application at the national and local levels, question and answer opportunities, and a series of breakout sessions on specific themes within the work, including: (i) the interface of the HAUS model, (ii) a systems perspective on HAUS and MHCLG appraisal guidance, (iii) application of HAUS at the local level, (iv) challenges and opportunities in the private sector, (v) incorporating health into devolution deals, and (vi) promoting systems thinking in urban development.

Delegates included representatives from numerous government departments and executive agencies and, from across the country, combined and local authorities, the governments of the devolved nations and leaders from the private sector, think tanks and UK funding councils. Collectively they brought great experience and expertise in housing and transport developments, public health, economic appraisal, policymaking and urban governance systems.

All of the discussions demonstrated an enthusiasm for new approaches to healthier urban development. They also showed support for the potential of HAUS and TRUUD’s work to contribute to improving long-term public health outcomes. However, conversations confirmed that there is still much to do if our partnership is to build on the good work already achieved in parts of the country.

Next steps and extending the discussions

During the coming months we will continue to develop the interface and functionality of HAUS, pursue the mission to include HAUS in MHCLG’s appraisal systems and guidance and explore the decision-making processes throughout the system where this work might have the most impact. This will include, for example, assessing the needs and capacity of Combined Authorities and Local Government to use tools like HAUS. In all our work, continued engagement with stakeholders will be critical.

The event has also prompted new avenues for further exploration. We will be digesting these opportunities and extending conversations in the following ways:

• Providing more detail on the scope, functionality and application of the HAUS tool to attendees to build on new interest from the event.
• Continuing discussions about the use of HAUS with a range of government departments and other stakeholder groups to explore future opportunities for extending our work.
• We plan to hold a second in-person event in London in Summer 2025. This aims to bring together the same group of stakeholders to assess progress, continue discussions and maintain the momentum in this area. Do get in touch if you wish to be considered for the invitation list.

We thank everyone who attended the event or has contributed to our work so far. We look forward to continuing these conversations.