The Health and Wellbeing Board of North Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 23 June 2026 to discuss a range of critical public health issues. Key decisions included the approval of the Better Care Fund 2025-2026 End of Year performance template and the plan for 2026-2027, the approval of a process for reviewing Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments and issuing supplementary statements, and noting progress on the SEND Priority Action Plan and Local SEND Reform Plan.

Health and Wellbeing Strategy - Focus on Financial Resilience

The Board noted the significant progress made in developing a Financial Resilience Theory of Change, a co-produced framework detailing the causes and drivers of financial resilience in North Northamptonshire. This work, led by Accommodation Concern, involved extensive engagement with residents and local organisations. The Board supported the creation of the North Northamptonshire Financial Resilience Partnership, which aims to improve referral pathways, coordinate crisis support with advice services, identify system barriers, and advocate for prevention, income maximisation, and debt reduction. The findings have already influenced the development of the new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which will replace the Household Support Fund from April 2026.

SEND Priority Action Plan and SEND Local Reform Plan

The Board noted the progress made on the SEND Priority Action Plan (PAP) and the newly developed Local SEND Reform Plan, which has been submitted to the Department for Education (DfE). The reform plan focuses on strengthening inclusive practice and early intervention, with a tiered approach to support. Key priorities include an Experts at Hand offer to provide wider access to specialist services for schools, strengthening mainstream provision, and improving the universal offer for early identification and prevention. The Board supported the continued multi-agency commitment to improving the SEND system, acknowledging ongoing challenges in workforce capacity and recruitment.

Digital Innovation in Adult's Services

The Board noted the advancements in digital innovation within Adult Social Care, particularly the development and implementation of AI tools. The Magic Notes system has reportedly increased assessments by 14%, and a new generative AI self-assessment tool called Nora is being piloted. Nora is designed to gather information through conversational interactions, replicating a therapist's exploratory conversation, but crucially, it does not make decisions, with clinical oversight remaining essential. The Board heard about the potential for AI to improve efficiency, support early intervention, and manage demand, while also acknowledging concerns about accessibility for those less digitally confident and the importance of maintaining human interaction.

Better Care Fund End of Year Plan and Plan for 2026 - 2027

The Board approved the Better Care Fund (BCF) 2025-2026 End of Year performance template and the plan for 2026-2027. The report highlighted stable performance in key areas such as integrated discharge pathways and reablement, despite ongoing pressures in urgent and emergency care and workforce capacity. The BCF investment is being used to protect core system capacity and reduce demand. The plan for 2026-2027 aims to maintain stability while awaiting further national guidance on neighbourhood health, with continued focus on addressing financial pressures and improving provider services and primary care. The Board was assured that robust joint governance is in place for managing BCF expenditure and assessing impact.

PNA Process Review

The Board approved the proposed process for reviewing the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) and issuing supplementary statements. This process, developed in line with updated national guidance, establishes a PNA Steering Group to handle operational responsibilities, with the Board retaining overall statutory accountability. This ensures timely and proportionate responses to changes in pharmaceutical service availability and need, while also reducing the risk of legal challenge.

ICB Neighbourhood Plan

The Board noted the proposed role of the Health and Wellbeing Board within the Integrated Care Board (ICB) Neighbourhood Health Care Plan. This plan aims to strengthen integration between health and local authority services, shifting focus from hospital-based care to community-based prevention. The Board's responsibilities will include setting population priorities, leading the development of neighbourhood health plans, aligning partners, strengthening place accountability, and overseeing outcomes and impact. The Board will receive an update on this work following a workshop on 6 July 2026.

Healthwatch NN 2025 - 2026 Impact Report, and 2026 - 2027 Workplan for Community Engagement in Health and Social Care

The Board noted the significant progress made by Healthwatch North Northamptonshire (NN) in its first year. Healthwatch NN has focused on building trust and reach within local communities, particularly seldom-heard groups, to gather insights and influence service improvements. The Board acknowledged the value of the Co-Chairs and Advisory Group in providing strategic direction and community insight. In light of national legislative changes that shift responsibility for community engagement to ICBs and local authorities, the Board resolved to support Healthwatch NN's work and ensure its chairs, advisory group, and managers are involved in future developments. The Board also noted the organisation's work on pilot projects focused on targeted NHS Health Checks and vaccination awareness, demonstrating a proactive approach to prevention and community engagement.