To ask the Secretary of State for Health with reference to the answer of 26 November 2008, Official Report, column 2055W, on coastal areas, what matters have been raised by his Department’s representation on the cross-departmental working group; and at what level his Department is represented at the group’s meetings. (244403)

The strategic objectives for the Department are better health and well-being for all, better care for all and better value for all.

The cross-departmental working group is looking at English coastal towns. The Department has raised the role of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment set out in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 to facilitate stronger local partnerships, including coastal towns, to improve health and social care and reduce inequalities. The Department’s Health Inequalities Spearhead Council programme includes coastal towns.

The Department is represented at Grade 6 level.