21 Jan 2026 Luton Borough Council adopts the Healthy Weight Declaration
Luton Council’s executive leaders have made a bold commitment for Luton 2040; by signing a declaration to put health at the heart of every decision made as a council.
By signing the Healthy Weight Declaration, the council are saying clearly that health is everyone’s business. It isn’t just about public health – it’s about planning, education, housing, transport, employment, and even local businesses.
The vision is clear, by 2040 Luton will become a place where every resident has the opportunity to live a healthier, longer, and happier life. Reducing obesity is vital to achieving fairness, better health, and the Luton 2040 vision. A whole-system approach is needed, where leaders, professionals, organisations, and residents all take responsibility, make every contact count, and embrace self-care. Luton Borough Councils Healthy Weight Plan calls for committed leadership, open conversations about unhealthy weight, and bold, creative community-driven actions to drive real change.
The Plan is for the whole borough and Luton residents of all ages, with a focus on communities and neighbourhoods with the highest levels of unhealthy weight and physical inactivity, and particularly targets children and families in the most deprived communities. The ambition is not only to reduce the disparities in health outcomes between the most and least deprived, but for everyone, and to create a place where the healthiest choice is the easiest action to choose.
The Healthy Weight Declaration was formally adopted by Luton Council’s Executive Leadership Team on 16th of October 2025, the Declaration as referenced in the Luton’s Healthy Weight Plan, will be embedded into all council decisions, contracts, and policies, and a Partnership Board will drive system-wide action.
Dr Robin Ireland, Director of Research, Health Equalities Group said:
“We are delighted to have been able to support Luton Council in taking this important step in building healthier environments across the borough whilst supporting its most disadvantaged communities”.
Cllr Rumi Chowdhary, Portfolio Holder for Public Health said:
“We are making a bold commitment for Luton 2040 – creating a fairer, healthier town where everyone has the chance to thrive. Health is everyone’s business, not just Public Health, but planning, education, housing, transport, employment, and even our businesses. A whole-system approach is the only way forward, and together we will make sure the healthy choice is always the easy choice.”
Kelly O’Neill, Director of Public Health said:
“This declaration is both a statement of commitment and a call to action. Tackling obesity is one of the most urgent public health challenges we face, and it requires every part of the system to work together – the council, NHS, schools, voluntary and faith groups, businesses, and communities. By 2040, our vision is clear: Luton will be a place where every resident has the opportunity to live a healthier, longer, and happier life.”
Image: Luton Councils Executive Leaders sign the Healthy Weight Declaration From Left to Right; Jade Horsley, Public Health Manager for Physical Activity; Kelly O’Neill, Director of Public Health; Elizabeth Elliott, Consultant in Public Health; Matthew Hudson, Public Health Principal; Mark Fowler, Luton Council Chief Executive; Kate Robertson, Acting Director of Population Wellbeing; Dheeraj Chibber, Director of Education, Children & Families; Cllr Rumi Chowdhary, Portfolio Holder for Public Health; Manisha Dosanjh, Public Health Manager.
