Elected members are a powerful lever for local change, and have the opportunity to challenge practice, influence decision-making and encourage a systems approach to tackling less healthy weight. By providing leadership and support to District Councils and through engagement and consultation, local authorities will have an opportunity to consider adoption of a district specific Healthy Weight Declaration (HWD).

Developed by Food Active, the HWD is a strategic, system-wide commitment made across all council departments to reduce less healthy weight in local communities, protect the health and wellbeing of staff and citizens and to make an economic impact on health and social care.