The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Shropshire Council was scheduled to discuss the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and its implications for health and wellbeing, as well as receive an update on drug and alcohol services in the county. The committee was also set to review its work programme and receive updates from various groups and individuals.

Local Nature Recovery Strategy and Health

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to focus on the Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). This statutory strategy aims to identify priorities for nature recovery, areas for habitat restoration, and how environmental investment can deliver public benefits, including health. The report pack highlighted that environmental conditions are key determinants of health and that the LNRS can act as a bridge between environment, planning, and health, supporting a Health in All Policies approach.

The evidence presented indicated that access to nature improves mental health, increases physical activity, reduces exposure to air pollution, mitigates heat stress, and fosters greater community connection. However, these benefits are not evenly distributed, with communities having less access to green space experiencing poorer health outcomes. The strategy is particularly relevant to urban areas, where population density and health inequalities are highest, offering opportunities to align nature recovery with prevention and mental wellbeing. The report pack suggested that the Health in All Policies & Planning Task and Finish Group could help shape recommendations to strengthen prevention, equity, and access related to the LNRS.

Drug and Alcohol Service Update

The committee was also scheduled to receive an update on drug and alcohol services in Shropshire. The current contract for these services, provided by WithYou, ends in March 2027. The update was expected to cover the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) and engagement activities informing the future commissioning of community-based drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services.

The report pack indicated that Shropshire has seen an increase in adults accessing structured treatment and a decrease in waiting times. The county also has a high proportion of alcohol-only clients entering treatment and higher employment rates among those in treatment compared to national averages. However, areas of need were identified, including significant unmet need for drug treatment, particularly for crack-only and opiate users, and lower engagement in rural areas due to transport issues and digital exclusion. The report pack also highlighted that adult drop-out rates from treatment are higher than completion rates, especially for alcohol-only clients. Recommendations included improving integrated working between substance misuse and mental health services, responding to changing substance patterns, addressing unmet drug treatment needs, and enhancing harm reduction efforts.

Other Scheduled Discussions

The committee was also due to receive updates from Councillor Rosie Radford on the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) and Councillor Bernie Bentick on the Health and Wellbeing Board. Councillor Dawn Husemann was expected to provide an update from the Health In All Policies (HiAP) & Planning Task and Finish Group.

The committee's work programme was also on the agenda, with Sophie Foster, Overview & Scrutiny Officer, expected to provide a verbal update. This would allow members to identify missing topics, prioritise areas for review, and plan future briefings and investigations. The work programme indicated that future discussions might include hospital discharge and continuing healthcare, the Better Care Fund, local implications of NHS reforms, and partnerships and prevention.

Finally, the committee was scheduled to consider the appointment to the Joint HOSC to fill the vacancy left by Councillor Chris Naylor. The date of the next meeting was also to be noted, scheduled for Monday 29 June 2026.