The Health and Wellbeing Board meeting scheduled for 17 June 2026 was set to cover a range of important public health matters, including the Better Care Fund, tobacco control, and the emotional wellbeing of children and young people. The Board was also scheduled to receive updates on the work of Healthwatch City of London and discuss proposals for improving population health and addressing health inequalities in the City and Hackney.

Better Care Fund 2025-26 End of Year Return and 2026-27 Plan

The Board was scheduled to consider the Better Care Fund (BCF) for the 2025-26 financial year, reviewing the end-of-year return and the plan for 2026-27. The BCF is a national programme that requires Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and local authorities to pool budgets and agree joint plans for integrating health and social care services. The report detailed performance against national BCF metrics for 2025-26, noting that most indicators were on track or exceeded targets. It also outlined the key changes to the BCF framework for 2026-27, which will see the fund become part of Neighbourhood Plans as set out in the NHS 10 Year Plan. The Board was asked to consider the 2025-26 End of Year Return and the 2026-27 Plan.

Signing up to the Local Government Declaration and Smoke Free Pledge on Tobacco Control

A report was presented concerning the City and Hackney Director of Public Health's proposal for the City of London Corporation to sign up to the Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control and the Smoke Free Pledge. Tobacco smoking remains a significant cause of preventable illness and health inequalities. The Declaration commits local authorities to seven principles for effective tobacco control, and the Pledge aims for a UK where smoking is eliminated by 2040. Signing these commitments would provide a mandate for enhanced collaboration through the City and Hackney Tobacco Control Alliance (TCA) and strengthen the Corporation's leadership role in tackling tobacco-related harm. The Health and Wellbeing Board was asked to consider endorsing the Declaration and Pledge for onward approval and signing.

Healthwatch City of London Progress Report

Healthwatch City of London presented its progress report for January to May 2026. The report detailed the organisation's work in engaging with residents and workers in the City of London to gather feedback on health and social care services. Key activities included community surveys, health literacy events in Portsoken, and Enter and View visits to services like St Leonard's Physiotherapy Department. The report also highlighted ongoing projects related to emergency pathways, waiting list management, social prescribing, and patient communication. A draft report on the availability of defibrillators in the City of London was also attached. The Board was asked to note the report.

Committing to Collective Action: A Vision and Proposal for Improving Population Health, Prevention and Health Equity in City and Hackney

This joint report from the City and Hackney Director of Public Health and the Chief Medical Officer of Homerton NHS Trust outlined a proposal to formalise system-wide work on prevention and population health. The report suggested the creation of a dedicated, cross-partnership 'Institute for Change' (IfC) for City and Hackney. This institute would aim to integrate and scale up enabling functions crucial for systemic population health improvement, building on existing expertise and addressing identified skill and resource gaps. The proposal sought support for this initiative and commitments from partners to achieve its aims. The Board was asked to consider supporting the proposal and committing to the necessary actions and resources.

Health Inequalities in Portsoken

This report summarised key data on the population characteristics and health outcomes relevant to the Portsoken ward, which is to be published as part of a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for the City of London. The report highlighted that Portsoken has a younger, diverse resident population with higher prevalence of long-term conditions and reported barriers to accessing services compared to the wider City. It also detailed community insights and ongoing projects aimed at improving population health outcomes in partnership with the community. The Board was asked to note the report, consider supporting the continuation of the described projects, and endorse the proposals for future reporting.

ELFT's Adult Mental Health Arrangements & Offer

The East London Foundation Trust (ELFT) presented an update on its plans to refresh its service offer and arrangements for adult mental health support in City and Hackney. The report outlined the national and local drivers for change, the current profile of City residents supported by ELFT, and the proposed updated service arrangements. The new model aims to be more integrated, responsive, and deliver more care closer to home, with a focus on addressing health inequalities. The Board was asked to provide feedback on these proposed changes.

Children and Young People's Emotional Health and Wellbeing

This report provided an update on the Children and Young People's Mental Health Needs Assessment and the ongoing development of a new Emotional Health and Wellbeing strategy and action plan for City of London and Hackney for 2027-2032. The needs assessment identified an increase in mental health needs among children and young people, with variations based on age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors. The draft strategy proposes a four-pillar framework focusing on prevention, equity, vulnerable groups, and crisis support. The Board was asked to consider the findings and recommendations of the needs assessment, comment on proposed City-specific actions, and provide input on the development of the strategy and action plan.

Next Steps in Partnership Development for City and Hackney

This report from the City & Hackney Place-based Partnership discussed the need to redefine how partners work together to further their aims and capitalise on wider national changes to the health system. It outlined a 12-month partnership development plan focusing on vision and outcomes, building trust, governance, partnership functions, resident representation, and financial flows. The report also posed questions to the Health and Wellbeing Board regarding its future role within a revised partnership governance structure, particularly concerning Neighbourhood Health Plans and addressing health inequalities. The Board was asked to note the changes, consider the implications of wider health system changes, and discuss its potential role within the revised partnership.

Commercial Environmental Health Service Plan 2026-27

The Board was asked to note the Commercial Environmental Health Service Plan for 2026-27. This plan outlines how the City Corporation will deliver its regulatory functions for food safety and occupational health and safety, adhering to national Codes of Practice. The service aims to prioritise high-risk establishments, support businesses towards compliance, and protect consumers and workers. The plan detailed the team's resources, review of the previous year's performance, and planned interventions for 2026-27, including food hygiene inspections, food standards interventions, and health and safety regulation.

Port Health Food Enforcement Service Plan 2026-27

The Board was asked to note the Port Health Food Enforcement Service Plan for 2026-27. This plan details the London Port Health Authority's (LPHA) approach to food safety and standards controls within its jurisdiction, which includes major ports and the River Thames. The plan outlines the service's aims, objectives, and how it will deliver regulatory functions in line with Food Standards Agency (FSA) requirements. It also addresses the impact of the new Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) and the evolving UK-EU SPS agreement. The plan details the service's intervention programme, sampling activities, and liaison with other organisations.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies, declarations of interest, receiving the Order of the Court of Common Council, and the election of a Chairman and Deputy Chairman. The minutes of the previous meeting were scheduled for agreement. The Board was also due to consider excluding the public for Part 2 of the meeting, which involved non-public reports and urgent business.