The Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee of the City of London Council met on Wednesday 27 May 2026. The meeting's agenda included discussions on childhood immunisations, sexual health services, and the outcomes of a local area inspection for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). The committee was also scheduled to receive updates on the NHS 10 Year Plan and changes to Integrated Care Board (ICB) structures.

Childhood Immunisations in the City of London

A report was scheduled to be presented on childhood immunisation coverage in the City of London. The report highlighted a decline in immunisation coverage across England, with London's rates being significantly lower than the national average and below the 95% herd immunity target, posing a risk for vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks. While the City of London's 12-month child vaccination coverage, as proxied by the Neaman Practice, was reported as higher than both London and the national average for 2024-25, the 24-month coverage was lower. Key risks and challenges identified included the aggregation of immunisation data at the City and Hackney level, a stalled development of a dedicated immunisation dashboard across North East London (NEL), and the loss of key clinical vaccination leadership and workforce roles due to organisational restructuring and cost-saving measures at the NEL ICB. Despite these challenges, progress against the City and Hackney Immunisation Strategic Action Plan (2024-27) was ongoing, with at least 50% of its objectives achieved. The report recommended that members note its contents.

Sexual Health Services

The committee was scheduled to receive reports on sexual health services, including an update on the closure of the City's satellite sexual health clinic at 80 Leadenhall Street on 17 October 2025. This closure was requested by the provider, The Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, due to increased cost pressures, reduced activity, and patient visits since the COVID-19 pandemic. The report indicated that extensive consultation and preparation had been undertaken, and services had continued from the Neaman Practice, with patient care transferred there or to other Homerton clinics. Signposting to other local services, such as the online service SHL.uk and neighbouring clinics, was intended to ensure continued access for residents and workers. The report recommended that members note its contents.

A separate report provided further detail on the Homerton Sexual Health Service's provision within the City of London. It outlined the transition from the Leadenhall Street site to a primary care-based service at The Neaman Practice, which commenced in September 2025. This service, delivered by a specialised Nurse Practitioner, operates one day a week and offers a comprehensive range of sexual health services. Early monitoring indicated that activity had redistributed across a wider network of providers, with some service users transitioning to alternative in-person provision. The report highlighted that the new model supports equity of access and offers improved value for money, with access risks mitigated through system-wide provision.

SEND Local Area Inspection Outcome

A report was scheduled to summarise the outcome of the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Local Area Inspection, conducted by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) from 29 September to 3 October 2025. The City of London Local Area received Outcome 1, the most favourable rating, indicating that its SEND arrangements typically lead to positive experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND, with the partnership taking action where improvements are needed. The report identified strengths in strong leadership and governance, timely identification of needs, and effective Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans. Areas for development included improving communication with parents, ensuring families understand and can navigate the local offer, and routinely providing interpreters for health services. The report recommended that members note its contents and that the local area partnership would publish an action plan based on the inspection findings.

NHS 10 Year Plan - ICB New Structures

A report was scheduled to provide an update on the changes to the Health and Care Partnership in the City and Hackney, focusing on the new structures of the Integrated Care Board (ICB). The report explained that due to national directives to reduce ICB operating costs by 50%, NEL ICB had centralised its commissioning functions, meaning place-based partnerships no longer hold direct responsibility for commissioning health services. Instead, places are recognised as critical entities for delivery, with a strong focus on neighbourhoods and the development of Neighbourhood Health Plans. The report outlined the implications for the City of London, including challenges arising from the separation of place-based structures from the ICB and a reduction in capacity and institutional knowledge. However, it also presented opportunities to re-form a partnership structure more embedded in the place, with stronger links to Health and Wellbeing Boards and greater autonomy over local NHS budgets through new Integrated Health Organisation contracts. The report concluded that there is a continued commitment to partnership working to address health inequalities and improve population health.

Other Scheduled Discussions

The committee was also scheduled to receive the Order of the Court following the Court meeting of 23 April 2026 for information. Additionally, the election of a Chair and Deputy Chair for the committee was planned, along with the agreement of the public minutes of the previous meeting held on 29 October 2025. Members were also to note the Forward Plan for the committee. The agenda also included provisions for questions on matters relating to the work of the committee and any other urgent business. A motion was scheduled to exclude the public for Part 2 of the meeting, which included non-public minutes.