Recent statistics reveal a concerning trend in Lancashire regarding the distribution of fast food outlets, particularly in relation to socioeconomic factors. The data indicates a significant over-concentration of takeaway establishments in poorer areas compared to more affluent regions. This disparity is not only a reflection of the broader social and economic challenges faced by these communities but also poses a significant threat to public health. The proliferation of fast food outlets in deprived areas has been linked to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related health issues, which can have long-lasting consequences for individuals and communities.
The statistics paint a stark picture of the situation in Lancashire. Across the 12 county districts, excluding Blackburn with Darwen, 46.4% of all takeaways are located in the 20% of areas with the highest levels of deprivation. In contrast, only 5.5% of takeaways are found in the 20% least deprived areas. This disparity is not only a reflection of the socioeconomic challenges faced by these communities but also highlights the need for urgent action to address the issue.
The data, last updated in 2022, shows there are 1,408 fast food outlets in Lancashire, equating to one outlet for every 890 residents. This figure surpasses the national average of one takeaway for every 958 residents. The high density of fast food outlets in Lancashire is a cause for concern, particularly in light of the established links between fast food consumption and poor health outcomes.
In response to these alarming statistics, County Hall has developed a hot food takeaways and spatial planning strategy aimed at curbing the proliferation of fast food outlets in deprived wards. The strategy is designed to promote healthier eating habits and reduce the risk of diet-related health problems in Lancashire. Key components of the strategy include guidance for district councils to refuse applications for new takeaways in areas of high deprivation.
The strategy also highlights a “strong positive correlation” between obesity rates in children and the density of hot food takeaways in a given area, although it stops short of establishing a direct causal relationship. This correlation is a concern, particularly in light of the high rates of childhood obesity in Lancashire. By restricting the number of fast food outlets in areas with high rates of childhood obesity, the county authority hopes to reduce the risk of diet-related health problems and promote healthier eating habits among young people.
New takeaways will be prohibited within a 400-meter radius of secondary school entrances, aiming to reduce children’s exposure to fast food options. This measure is designed to promote healthier eating habits among young people and reduce the risk of diet-related health problems. By restricting the number of fast food outlets near schools, the county authority hopes to create a healthier food environment for children and young people.
The strategy also acknowledges the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue of fast food over-concentration in Lancashire. This includes working with local communities, schools, and healthcare providers to promote healthier eating habits and reduce the risk of diet-related health problems. By taking a comprehensive approach, the county authority hopes to create a healthier food environment in Lancashire and promote better health outcomes for residents.
Preston leads Lancashire with the highest number of fast food outlets at 200, while Ribble Valley has the least at 62. Notably, every district except Fylde has seen an increase in fast food outlets over the past six years, with Rossendale and Pendle experiencing the most significant growth at 42% and 30%, respectively. These trends are a concern, particularly in light of the established links between fast food consumption and poor health outcomes.
As of 2022, Hyndburn, Burnley, and Rossendale reported the highest rates of takeaways per 100,000 people, with figures as follows: Hyndburn (163.4), Burnley (162.2), Rossendale (151.8), Pendle (100.9), and Ribble Valley (96.7). These rates are a concern, particularly in light of the high rates of diet-related health problems in these areas.
The over-concentration of fast food outlets in deprived areas of Lancashire presents a significant public health challenge. The county’s strategic initiatives aim to mitigate this issue by restricting new takeaways in high-deprivation wards and near schools. By taking a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue, the county authority hopes to create a healthier food environment in Lancashire and promote better health outcomes for residents.
County Councillor Michael Green stated that the authority is dedicated to helping residents make healthier choices and lead better lives. This commitment is reflected in the county’s strategic initiatives, which aim to promote healthier eating habits and reduce the risk of diet-related health problems. By working together, local communities, schools, and healthcare providers can help create a healthier food environment in Lancashire and promote better health outcomes for residents.
The implementation of these strategies will require ongoing monitoring and enforcement to ensure their effectiveness. This includes regular reviews of the number of fast food outlets in deprived areas and near schools, as well as assessments of the impact of the strategies on public health outcomes. By taking a proactive approach to addressing the issue of fast food over-concentration, the county authority can help create a healthier food environment in Lancashire and promote better health outcomes for residents.
In conclusion, the over-concentration of fast food outlets in deprived areas of Lancashire presents a significant public health challenge. The county’s strategic initiatives aim to mitigate this issue by restricting new takeaways in high-deprivation wards and near schools. By taking a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue, the county authority hopes to create a healthier food environment in Lancashire and promote better health outcomes for residents. Ongoing monitoring and enforcement of these policies will be crucial in fostering a healthier food environment in Lancashire.