Reducing number of EHOs in Scottish local authorities a concern

Tom Bell the REHIS Chief Executive expressed concern that the number of Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) employed by Scottish local authorities continues to decline. Tom was giving evidence to the Health and Sport Committee at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 16 January during a session convened to consider the Public Health etc (Scotland) Bill. Tom advised the committee that the number of EHO posts in Scotland had dropped from around 800 in 1990 to below 500 in 2006 (the last year for which REHIS has statistics). Tom advised the meeting that the Minister for Public Health had agreed to facilitate a working group to consider the future of the Environmental Health Profession. The working group is due to meet for the first time on 4 February. Tom also advised the meeting that REHIS supported the introduction of the regulation of premises operating sunbeds and the introduction of a licensing regime. Evidence given to the committee can be reviewed in the Official Report of the Scottish Parliament. Progress with stage one of the Bill will continue for the next few weeks.