A Manifesto for Change: How Wakefield Residents Call for Action to Put Health Before Profit

Ever feel like it’s just a bit too easy to pick up a chocolate bar at the till, or that the adverts for takeaways are somehow… everywhere? It’s not just you. People all over the country are starting to think more about what influences their choices. And in Wakefield, a group of residents decided to do something about it. On 09 February 2026, the results of a special project were announced, showing that local people are calling for big changes to put everyone’s health and wellbeing firmly ahead of corporate profit. Twenty-one Wakefield residents came together in a Citizens’ Jury to have their say, and they didn’t hold back.

So what's a citizens’ jury all about then?

It sounds a bit like something from a TV drama, doesn’t it? But a Citizens’ Jury is actually a brilliant way for normal people to get involved in important decisions. In this case, 21 residents from all walks of life across the district were brought together. Their mission was to look at how certain industries affect our health. They spent time learning about the impact of things like alcohol, unhealthy food, and tobacco. They heard expert evidence from people who have studied this stuff for years, digging into how marketing and clever business practices can nudge us towards choices that aren't always the best for our long-term health. The jury examined how advertising and promotions can have a massive impact on families and entire communities. The whole point was to understand the real-world effects of these commercial interests on people's lives and to question whether current policy decisions are truly working for the public good. The focus was on products that cause illnesses that could be prevented, affecting health outcomes for thousands.

The big demands: manifestos for change

After listening to all the expert evidence and sharing their own experiences, the jury wasn't just left to wonder what to do next. They came up with a proper plan. They created what they’ve called ‘manifestos for change’ – which is basically a list of practical, common-sense steps they want to see happen, not just in Wakefield but across the whole country. It’s a powerful statement from residents about the kind of world they want to live in. The core message is clear: the wellbeing of communities should come first. These manifestos for change are the jury's direct challenge to the status quo, demanding better protections for everyone's health.

Here are some of the key things the Wakefield residents are calling for:

• Making healthy food more affordable: Why is it sometimes cheaper to buy a frozen pizza than the ingredients for a healthy, home-cooked meal? The jury wants to see this change, making healthy food the easy and affordable choice for families.

• Tighter controls on advertising: The jury called for more restrictions on the advertising of alcohol, unhealthy food, and vapes. Think about the colourful vape displays in shops or the constant ads for sugary drinks and junk food. They believe this kind of marketing has too much power.

• Protecting young people: A big part of the discussion was about shielding children and young people from constant exposure to marketing for products that could harm their health.

Taking on industry influence

One of the strongest messages to come out of the Citizens’ Jury was about who gets to make the rules. The residents felt that the companies making and selling things like alcohol and unhealthy food have too much of a say in the government’s policy decisions. One juror put it perfectly, explaining that ‘industries have too much input into policy decisions’. It’s a bit like letting a video game company decide how much screen time kids should have. The jury argued that decisions about public health should be completely free from industry influence. This is about making sure that the rules are designed to protect people’s wellbeing, not the commercial interests or corporate profit of massive companies. They believe that the current system allows for questionable business practices to continue, which in turn leads to poorer health outcomes for ordinary people.

What the councillors are saying

The council is taking the jury's findings very seriously. Cllr Michelle Collins, who is the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, was really impressed by the work. She said:

“This work shows the power of bringing residents together to look closely at the issues that shape our health every day. The Citizens’ Jury has sent a clear message; people want healthier environments, stronger protections from harmful products, and decisions made in the best interests of our communities.”

It shows that when residents are given a voice, they use it to call for positive change that benefits everyone's health.

Even more impressively, one councillor actually rolled up his sleeves and joined in. Cllr Duncan Smith, the Deputy Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, sat in as a juror. He wanted to hear the same evidence and understand the pressures people face. He said:

“Being part of the Jury gave me the chance to sit alongside residents, hear the same evidence, and understand the pressures that shape people’s daily choices. It was clear that communities want healthier, fairer environments and policies that put public wellbeing ahead of commercial interests. Taking part has strengthened my commitment to supporting this work.”

So what happens now?

This whole project wasn't just for show. The findings from the Citizens’ Jury and their powerful manifestos for change will now be used by Wakefield Council to guide its work. The aim is to improve the long-term health outcomes for everyone in the district, making it easier for people to live healthier lives. But the ambition doesn’t stop at the Wakefield border. The plan is to use this clear message from residents to push for changes to national policy decisions, too.

This important work was commissioned by the Yorkshire & Humber Association of Directors of Public Health (Y&H ADPH). It was a real team effort, delivered with help from researchers at the SPECTRUM research consortium and health research collaborations in Wakefield and Doncaster. It’s a fantastic example of what can happen when residents, researchers, and local leaders all work together to put health first. The jury has spoken, and their call for a future where wellbeing is valued over corporate profit is loud and clear.