The Adult Social Care & Health Select Committee was scheduled to discuss updates on autism services, the development of neighbourhood health services, and the proposed merger of two Integrated Care Boards. The committee was also set to review its work programme for the upcoming municipal year.

Adult Autism Services

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on autism services within the borough, presented by representatives from the Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust. The report indicated that the Central London Adult Autism Service provides diagnostic assessments and time-limited post-diagnostic support. Key areas for discussion were to include the timescales for adults to receive autism diagnoses, actions to improve waiting times, NHS support post-diagnosis, referral pathways, workforce needs, autism-related admissions to mental health settings, and public awareness of autism and neurodiversity. The report highlighted that current waiting times for an autism diagnostic assessment range from approximately one to fourteen months, with nearly 600 people waiting for an assessment as of mid-December 2025. The service faces significant demand, with referrals increasing by approximately 70% between 2022/23 and 2023/24, and a further 32% increase between 2023/24 and 2024/25. The report detailed various initiatives to improve access and reduce waiting times, including a flexible assessment model, a mental health prioritisation pathway, pre-assessment and waiting well initiatives, and safety planning. The report also outlined the service's approach to post-diagnostic support, including individual and group sessions, and professional consultation to care networks.

Neighbourhood Health Services

An update was scheduled on the development of neighbourhood health services in the borough, a strategic priority for the NHS and the Department of Health and Social Care. The report indicated that the North West London Integrated Care Board (ICB) has been leading the development of this new model in partnership with local government. The Bi-Borough's (Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster) Neighbourhood Health programme aims to tackle health inequalities and improve care coordination through community-based support. Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) are being established, serving approximately 130,000-150,000 residents each, with a focus on those in the most deprived areas (CORE20) and vulnerable groups. The report noted that RBKC is a Wave 1 site for the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP). Key areas for discussion were to include timescales for the rollout of new neighbourhood services, the role of local authorities and social care, the involvement of the voluntary and community sector, the benefits to patients, population health monitoring, and the link to the NHS 10 Year Plan's three shifts (hospital to community, analogue to digital, and treatment to prevention). The report highlighted the co-production of the RBKC Navigation model with residents, communities, and frontline staff, and outlined plans for workforce development, integration with council departments, and the utilisation of shared assets.

New Model Integrated Care Board and ICB Merger

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the development of the new model Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the implications for the local authority. It was noted that on 23 July 2025, the North West London ICB and North Central London ICB agreed to merge to create a single organisation, the West and North London ICB, from 1 April 2026. This new organisation will cover 13 London boroughs with a population of approximately 4.5 million residents. Key areas for discussion were to include the role of the new ICB as a strategic commissioner, the risks and opportunities of the merger, the implementation and transition planning, funding arrangements, and the implications for the local authority, including accountability. The report outlined the Model ICB blueprint, which emphasises the ICB's role as a strategic commissioner, moving away from clinical delivery and provider management. The proposed structure includes six permanent directorates: Strategy, Medical, Nursing, Finance, People, and Transformation, along with a fixed-term Transition Directorate. The report detailed the proposed operating model and structure for the new ICB, including its core functions, principles for Place and Neighbourhood, and the spectrum of ICB roles.

Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to review its work programme for the municipal year 2025/2026. The report indicated that the work programme is an iterative document and is kept under review to allow for adjustments and the addition of new items. The March meeting was noted as the last of the municipal year, which would include a review of the Director of Public Health's Annual Report and the mobilisation of newly commissioned home care services. The final report of the working group on suicide prevention and males as a high-risk group was also scheduled for discussion. An item on services for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism, initially planned for the February meeting, was to be rescheduled due to ADHD services being provided by a different NHS Trust. The committee was also to monitor the reconfiguration of mental health services in Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.