2026 Annual Public Health Report
Bracknell Forest Council’s latest Annual Public Health Report has been published, shining a spotlight on a powerful but often overlooked influence on health in Bracknell Forest, the “business of health”.
This year’s focus is on the commercial determinants of health, looking beyond healthcare and lifestyle choices to explore how businesses, products and our everyday environments shape health and wellbeing.
A new focus: the “business of health”
The report explores how everyday commercial activities influences health outcomes across the borough. While we often think about health in terms of healthcare or personal choices, the report highlights that health is shaped long before people reach the NHS, through:
- What products are available locally
- What is promoted through advertising
- What is affordable and accessible
- How our high streets and neighbourhoods are designed
This reflects a wider shift in public health thinking, recognising that our environments strongly influence the choices we make.
While some industries have a positive impact, others put profit first which can harm health and widen inequalities. Tobacco, alcohol, gambling products and foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) are key examples. These products are often heavily marketed, easier to access and more affordable than healthier alternatives which can make unhealthy choices the default option, especially for people facing financial or social pressures.
Why this matters
Industries producing tobacco, alcohol and ultra-processed foods drive over 19 million deaths globally each year and cost the UK £31 billion, with significant impacts on employment. Locally, easy access to outlets (around six minutes on average) highlights how the environment can shape our behaviour. Health is influenced not just by choice, but what is available and promoted.
In Bracknell Forest, overall prosperity and good health mask inequalities. While residents live longer, they spend 16-18 years in poor health, with clear gaps between more and less deprived communities. Harmful products such as alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy food contribute to long-term conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and are often more concentrated in disadvantaged areas, further widening health inequalities.
The economic impact
This is not only a health issue but also a significant economic concern. Preventable ill health linked to commercial factors:
- Places increased pressure on the NHS, social care and public services
- Affects productively and participation in the workforce
- Leads to additional costs for businesses, communities, and the public sector.
Working with, not against, businesses
A key message is that this is not about blaming businesses or individuals. Instead, it recognises the important role businesses play in shaping healthy places and influencing consumer choice.
Many local employers already make positive contributions and there is an opportunity to work collaboratively to improve environments while supporting economic growth. Examples of good practice include responsible retail and healthier workplace initiatives.
A call to action
The report sets out a clear ambition, to make good health easier for everyone in Bracknell Forest.
Key areas of action include:
- Strengthening local data and intelligence
- Embedding health into planning, licencing and policy decisions
- Supporting healthier high streets and retail environments
- Working in partnership across council services and with local businesses
- Building awareness and skills across the system
Find out more.
The full report provides detailed insights and recommendations and is available here: Bracknell Forest Council Annual Public Health Report