The Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel of Merton Council was scheduled to discuss the impact of changes to the Integrated Care Board (ICB) on health and care systems, an action plan for healthy weight, and dementia care services. The panel was also due to review its work programme for the upcoming year.

Impact of ICB Changes on Health and Care Systems

The panel was scheduled to receive an update on the impact of changes to the Integrated Care Board (ICB) on health and care systems and the outcomes for Merton residents. This discussion was intended to provide an update following previous discussions in September 2025, focusing on the embedding of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and the Merton Alliance. It was also planned to cover the new operating model for the ICB following staff reductions, and the transitional plans and retained functions as the system moves to a new way of working. Specific areas for discussion included commissioning, Continuing Healthcare (CHC), data and informatics, performance management and oversight, safeguarding, Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs), and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC).¹

Healthy Weight Action Plan

A report was scheduled to be presented regarding the Eat Well, Be Active action plan, which aims to replace previous plans focused on tackling diabetes and child healthy weight. The plan, which was undergoing consultation with a target publication date of May 2026, focuses on improving food and physical activity environments rather than solely on individual behaviours. It is underpinned by evidence-based, systems-wide approaches and spans the entire life course, involving statutory and non-statutory partners. The plan acknowledges that collaborative work across multiple domains and organisations is essential for making a significant difference for residents. The report highlighted objectives and actions particularly relevant to the Scrutiny Panel, with updates on children and young people aspects being scrutinised separately. The plan's development was overseen by a multi-agency and multidisciplinary Eat Well and Be Active steering group, reporting to the Health and Well Being Board. The report noted that Merton has been following systems-wide approaches to reducing obesity for the past decade, building on existing progress.

Dementia Care

The panel was scheduled to receive an update on multi-agency dementia care in Merton, covering the quality and availability of services, pathways for residents with dementia, respite care provision, and support for unpaid carers. The report highlighted that an estimated 2,036 Merton residents aged over 65 years had dementia in 2025, with an additional 56 residents under 65. The estimated dementia diagnosis rate for those over 65 in Merton was 68.4%, which was higher than the London and England averages. The report emphasised the importance of prevention, noting that an estimated 40% of dementia cases are preventable through mid-life and older age interventions such as physical activity, healthy diet, and social connection. The report also detailed the roles of various organisations, including NHS South West London Integrated Care Board (SWL ICB), Merton Council, primary care providers, the Merton Memory Service (MAS), St George's University Hospital Trust, Central London Community Healthcare Trust, and the voluntary, community, and faith sector. A key focus was the planned development of a Dementia Action Plan for 2026-2031, agreed by Merton Health and Care Together Partners. The report included case studies and quotes illustrating the positive impact of services on individuals living with dementia and their carers, and highlighted the importance of incorporating the voices of those with lived experience. Digital developments in care homes, such as Universal Care Plans and the London Care Record, were also mentioned as having a significant impact on people living with dementia.

Work Programme and Topic Suggestions

The panel was scheduled to review its work programme for the 2025/26 year. This programme outlines items for review at each meeting, identifying the nature of the scrutiny (e.g., pre-decision, policy development, issue-specific, performance monitoring, partnership-related) and the intended outcomes. The work programme is designed to allow the panel to respond to emerging issues and comment on pre-decision items before they are considered by the Cabinet or Council. The panel was also expected to consider suggestions for topics for the following year's work programme (2026-2027).