Blaenau Gwent council is set to examine methods of limiting promotions for unhealthy foods across the borough.

This action follows a proposal submitted during an extraordinary session of the county borough council on Wednesday, March 25, aimed at restricting marketing of processed and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar on council-owned promotional spaces.

Blaenau Gwent has one of the nation’s highest obesity levels.

The proposal was introduced by Green Party member Sonia Behr representing Nantyglo, with backing from opposition independent member Julie Holt from Abertillery and Six Bells, along with supporters Joanna Wilkins, Gareth Davies, Lee Parsons, and Helen Cunningham.

Councillor Behr mentioned that while touring the borough by car, she had anticipated seeing more fast food promotions but discovered these were primarily situated directly on fast food establishments themselves.

Councillor Behr stated that such advertisements grab people’s focus and prompt thoughts of stopping for a meal or similar.

One of the public display panels she had encountered featured a well-prominent health service initiative supporting breastfeeding, which she considered encouraging and suggested the authority was moving in the correct direction, though she emphasised the need for a formal policy addressing potential future expansion of drive-through establishments with their own signage on private land.

She indicated interest in understanding the legal framework to determine whether dimensions and illumination of promotional displays could be controlled.

Lisa Winnett, a Labour representative for Blaina who oversees Planning and Licensing committees, expressed support for the concept in principle while expressing reservations about specific language used in the proposal.

She highlighted complications within the proposal, including concerns about planning regulations when evaluating applications for promotional structures, which require assessment based on individual circumstances. She also noted that the authority issues permits for mobile food vendors.

Council leader Steve Thomas, representing Labour in Tredegar, observed that while tackling obesity remains important, assigning staff to tasks without supporting documentation would be problematic. He indicated his view that this significant matter warrants serious examination, suggesting the proposal be refined to direct officials to prepare a comprehensive assessment exploring all relevant considerations.

He outlined that findings would be presented to the council with recommendations for subsequent actions, incorporating relevant planning and licensing statutory requirements.

Councillor Behr endorsed this approach, acknowledging that planning matters in this area present considerable complexity.

Winnett indicated willingness to support modifications that would prevent the authority from violating licensing and planning legislation.

Helen Cunningham, an unaligned member for Llanhilleth, commented that proceeding with this matter demonstrates commitment to tackling health disparities that disproportionately impact the area.

Julie Holt further noted that tobacco marketing had previously been prohibited.

Members subsequently passed the revised proposal without opposition.