The Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to convene on Monday 15 June 2026 to discuss key plans and strategies for the borough's health and social care services. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the Better Care Fund Plan for 2026-27, proposed Terms of Reference for the Board, and an update on the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment.

Better Care Fund Plan 2026-27

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to reviewing the Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for 2026-27. This plan outlines how funding will be used to deliver integrated and preventative care, focusing on neighbourhood health and social care services. The report details the rationale behind the BCF's role in maximising the delivery of these services, particularly in response to Tower Hamlets' diverse population and projected growth. It addresses how goals for key metrics such as reducing non-elective admissions for those aged 65 and over, and improving outcomes from reablement, will be set and monitored. The plan also details how progress in preventing avoidable long-term care home admissions will be driven, alongside locally agreed goals for admissions to residential and nursing homes.

The report highlights the BCF's direct impact on achieving national metric goals, including supporting timely hospital discharges and enabling residents to remain independent at home for longer. It details how BCF-funded schemes are shaped around the needs of specific population groups, such as older Bangladeshi and Somali residents, those with frailty, multiple long-term conditions, residents experiencing homelessness, and individuals with severe mental illness. The plan also addresses how ICBs and local authorities are assured that BCF funding represents value for money and how the productivity of services will be raised. This includes a structured approach to assuring value for money through a BCF Deep Dive review and the establishment of an Urgent Care Working Group for performance tracking. The report also outlines the robust joint governance framework in place for managing BCF expenditure, assessing impact, and driving continuous improvement, with the Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board and the Tower Hamlets Together Partnership Board acting as key decision-making bodies.

Health and Wellbeing Board Terms of Reference 2026-27

The Board is scheduled to consider its Terms of Reference, Quorum, Membership, and Dates of Meetings for the 2026-27 Municipal Year. This report, presented annually, aims to inform members of the committee's framework as set out in the Council's Constitution. The Health and Social Care Act 2012 established statutory Health and Wellbeing Boards to promote integration and partnership between NHS, public health, and local government bodies. The proposed terms of reference reflect the requirements of this Act and allow for the inclusion of other members deemed important to the health and wellbeing of Tower Hamlets residents. The Board's functions include leading the improvement of health and wellbeing in Tower Hamlets, encouraging integrated working, identifying health and wellbeing needs, and preparing and overseeing the implementation of a Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment Update

An update on the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) is also scheduled for discussion. The PNA is a statutory responsibility of the Health and Wellbeing Board, requiring publication every three years. The current Tower Hamlets PNA, completed in 2023 and published in 2024, is being refreshed. A new assessment was commissioned in January 2026, with a provider appointed to collate information on current pharmacy provision and conduct a resident survey. A draft PNA will be available for a 60-day public consultation in July 2026, with support provided for residents to engage in this process. The final PNA report is slated for presentation to the Health & Wellbeing Board in September 2026 for endorsement.

The meeting will also include standing items such as the appointment of a Vice-Chair, welcome and introductions, and the noting of any declarations of interest and minutes from the previous meeting held on 10 February 2026.