Health is shaped by many different factors in our lives. It is affected by your:
- living environment
- work environment
- learning experiences
- work / life balance
A Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is an important tool in supporting healthy, sustainable development. They put people at the heart of the process. HIAs aim to identify and reduce negative health outcomes whilst enhancing positive impacts.
Completing a HIA allows the local community to raise their concerns and recommendations. This information makes HIAs valuable in planning policies and initiatives.
Planning functions in Leicestershire are divided over three tiers of local government:
- County Council
- District and Borough Councils
- Parish or Town Councils
HIAs in planning
HIAs are a requirement within some Local Plans across Leicestershire. However, this differs by area.
Key components of HIAs
Screening
Determining whether an HIA is needed based on potential health impacts.
Scoping
Identifying which health effects to consider, stakeholders to involve, and the level of the analysis needed.
Assessment
Analysis of the potential health impacts, utilising data, and listening to the community.
Recommendations
Suggesting ideas to promote positive health outcomes and minimise negative effects.
Reporting
Preparing a document that summarises findings and recommendations.
Monitoring and evaluation
Assessing the impacts of decisions and the effectiveness of recommendations over time.
Our current plans
- Joint Strategic Needs Assessment
- Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022-2032
- Local Transport Plan 4 (2025-2030)
- Leicestershire Highways Design Guide
- Leicester & Leicestershire 2050: Our Vision for Growth
- Our Communities Approach (2022-2026)
- Environment Strategy (2018-2030)
- Net Zero Leicestershire Strategy (2023-2045)
- Leicester and Leicestershire Economic Growth Strategy (2021-2030)
Completing a HIA
When completing a HIA, you should use local health data to help positive health outcomes for residents.
Sources of local data on health and wellbeing include:
We have developed a HIA template for local use as referenced in Local Plans for the District, Boroughs and Parish Councils in Leicestershire.