The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Wednesday 1 July 2026 to discuss the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, focusing on supporting the older population and the Better Care Fund. Key decisions included noting progress on the strategy's fifth priority, endorsing recommendations from the Older People's Needs Assessment, and ratifying the Better Care Fund submissions for 2025-26 and 2026-27. The Board also approved updates to its Terms of Reference to enhance its operational flexibility and engagement.

Supporting Older People: Needs Assessment and Strategy

The Board received a comprehensive overview of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy¹, with a particular focus on Priority 5: Supporting our older population to live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives. This priority acknowledges that by 2041, one in five Croydon residents will be over 65, a demographic facing increased complexity in health conditions and a higher risk of falls and frailty.

A key discussion point was the Older People's Needs Assessment², the first comprehensive review of residents aged 65 and over since 2014-15. The assessment highlighted significant challenges, including rising rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, a growing number of people living with dementia, and the impact of social determinants like inadequate housing, digital exclusion, and social isolation. The assessment presented 19 recommendations structured around the WHO Age-Friendly Cities Framework, aiming to create a fully age-friendly borough, strengthen preventative care, enhance integrated care for complex needs, and address social isolation and mental health. The Board noted the findings and endorsed these recommendations, with implementation to be overseen by the Older People's Working Group.

Progress on the Dementia Strategy³ was also discussed. While Croydon has a strong dementia diagnosis rate, exceeding national and London averages, the strategy review highlighted the need for more robust post-diagnosis support. Actions taken include staff training, a dementia discharge checklist, and the development of end-of-life resources. The strategy is being reset to ensure ongoing relevance and effective delivery, with a focus on partnership working and clear action plans for the next 12 months.

An update on Older People's Health and Care⁴ detailed work aligned with the Croydon Health and Care Plan and the South West London (SWL) Frailty Model of Care. This includes a focus on frailty, intermediate care provision, and tackling social isolation. Successes noted include a reduction in unplanned care usage for older people reviewed via proactive care approaches and a significant reduction in emergency admissions for those over 80. Challenges remain in addressing the high level of frailty in Croydon, particularly among those aged 50-64, and improving the identification of carers.

Better Care Fund and Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment

The Board ratified the Better Care Fund (BCF) 2025-26 End of Year Submission⁵ to NHS England, noting that while most KPIs were on track, residential admission rates were slightly missed due to higher acuity of need. A mitigation plan has been developed for the following year. The Board also approved the Better Care Fund 2026-27 Plan⁶, acknowledging a modest funding increase and new national conditions. The plan prioritises integrated neighbourhood teams, proactive and preventative care, and the LIFE service to support hospital discharge and reablement.

The Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) Maintenance⁷ process was noted. Soar Beyond Ltd will continue to monitor pharmaceutical services, track changes in pharmacy provision, and advise on any necessary supplementary statements to ensure the PNA remains up-to-date and supports equitable access to services. Concerns were raised about Sunday and Saturday closures of pharmacies and the need to ensure accessible pharmacies remain available.

Governance and Forward Planning

The Board approved proposed changes to its Terms of Reference⁸, including the addition of a Resident Voices Group representative and a Primary Care Sector representative to its non-core membership. A constitutional change to formally include the Neighbourhood Health Programme was also proposed for full Council approval. These changes aim to strengthen resident engagement and improve alignment with broader system leadership.

An update on the Health Protection Forum⁹ was received, highlighting its role in overseeing health protection arrangements across Croydon, supported by strong partnerships. Key areas of focus included immunisation programmes, winter preparedness, and responses to national health protection risks. The Board agreed to re-establish annual reporting of the forum to the Board and align its Terms of Reference with the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) Health Protection Assurance Framework.

Finally, the Health and Wellbeing Board Forward Plan¹⁰ was reviewed, outlining upcoming agenda items including a deep dive into Good Mental Health and Wellbeing for All, updates on the Better Care Fund, and reports on the anti-racism work programme, safeguarding partnerships, and neighbourhood health initiatives. Workshops are also planned to further develop members' understanding of the Board's role and leadership.