The Health and Wellbeing Board of Sutton Council met on 8 June 2026 to discuss the integration of health and care services, the Better Care Fund, and the development of neighbourhood working. Key decisions included noting the roles and responsibilities of the Board in light of national policy changes, agreeing Sutton's 2026/27 Better Care Fund plan, and noting the submission of the 2025/26 Better Care Fund end-of-year return.

Health and Care Integration in Sutton

The Board received an update on the current state of health and care integration in Sutton, noting the significant national policy changes within the NHS, including the shift towards strategic commissioning and neighbourhood working. Imran Choudhury, Strategic Director for Public Health and Wellbeing, highlighted that these changes necessitate a move towards a more preventative-based system to ensure financial sustainability. The Council, as a core partner, brings statutory responsibilities, local insight, and democratic accountability to the integration process. The report detailed the challenges of navigating these tectonic plates of change, particularly in the context of workforce and financial pressures, while acknowledging Sutton's mature partnership approach as a strength. Helen Bailey, Chief Executive of the London Borough of Sutton, emphasised the importance of having difficult conversations about priorities and resources to deliver national aspirations locally. The Board noted the update on the current state of integration, national changes, and their implications for partnership working.

Update on the Better Care Fund

The Board received an update on the Better Care Fund (BCF), a pooled fund designed to support integration and transformation by focusing on hospital discharge, community support, and ensuring residents have the necessary support in the community. Michelle Rahman, Director of Transformation for Sutton Place, SWL ICS, and Vicki Kent, Health Integration Programme Lead, presented the 2025/26 end-of-year report and the plan for 2026/27.

Key performance highlights for 2025/26 included a decrease in falls and a strong performance in reducing long discharge delays, attributed to services like the 24/7 community response service and the Transfer of Care Hub. However, an increase in overall non-elective admissions was noted, though Sutton's performance remained strong compared to London averages. The 2026/27 plan aims to stabilise non-elective admissions for over 65s, reduce discharge delays, and maintain strong performance in care home admissions. The plan also focuses on expanding tech-enabled care and optimising equipment use.

Councillor Dr Jenna Hartley-Smith raised questions about the involvement of carers in discharge conversations and data sharing. The Board discussed the importance of proactive care, the role of the charity, community and faith sector in predicting risks, and the potential for tech-enabled care to improve productivity. Simon Breeze, from Community Action Sutton, raised concerns about the risk to local charities from commissioning at a wider South West London level, with Michelle Rahman assuring that a Sutton first principle is being developed.

The Board agreed to Sutton's 2026/27 Better Care Fund plan and noted its submission, as well as noting the submission of Sutton's 2025/26 Better Care Fund end-of-year return to NHS England.

Neighbourhood Working in Health and Care

The Board was briefed on the national Neighbourhood Health Framework, which aims to deliver services closer to residents' homes, strengthen prevention, and improve access to primary care. Imran Choudhury and Michelle Rahman explained that Sutton is building on its existing Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to deliver this framework. The focus for 2026/27 will be on improving GP access and reducing non-elective admissions for frail residents. Challenges were acknowledged, including workforce capacity, financial pressures, and the need for cultural change to overcome organisational boundaries. However, opportunities were highlighted in creating more joined-up, person-centred care and addressing health inequalities. The Board noted the Sutton Alliance's response to the Neighbourhood Health Framework and the development of neighbourhood working in health and care in Sutton.

Other Business

Councillor Paul Cole was appointed as Vice Chair of the Board. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 January 2026 were approved.