The Health and Wellbeing Board of Camden Council met on Wednesday 08 July 2026 to discuss the council's health protection update, the Better Care Fund plan for 2026-27, and the introduction of Neighbourhood Health Plans. The Board also reviewed its work programme.

Health Protection Update

The Director of Public Health, Kirsten Watters, was scheduled to provide an update on health protection issues and epidemiology in Camden. The report highlighted the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, noting that the risk to the UK population was low. It also detailed measles cases in London, with 18 reported in Camden between January and June 2026, and outlined ongoing work to promote Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination. Additionally, the report mentioned a time-limited offer for the Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine for Year 13 students and new higher education entrants under 25, to be delivered through community pharmacies. The report also covered the council's coordinated response to a red heat alert issued by the Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) between June 23-26, including public communications and guidance for various sectors, as well as the promotion of 'Cool Spaces' across the borough.

Camden Better Care Fund Plan 2026-27

The Director of Adult Social Care Strategy and Commissioning and Deputy DASS, Chris Lehmann, presented the proposed 2026-27 Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan. This plan outlines the integrated spending plan for the BCF pooled annual budget of £45,942,875, shared between Camden Council and the West and North London Integrated Care Board (WNL ICB). The report indicated that the 2026-27 plan is largely a continuation of the previous year's expenditure, with minor funding uplifts for core services such as community equipment, homecare, and supported living for individuals with learning disabilities. A key investment is planned for therapy-led reablement to enhance outcomes and integrate intermediate care. The BCF framework for 2026-27 is the first phase of a national reform programme, with a greater emphasis on aligning BCF planning with the development of neighbourhood health services. The report sought approval for the plan and delegated authority to the Director of Adult Social Care Strategy and Commissioning and Deputy DASS to approve national reporting.

Introduction to Neighbourhood Health Plans

Johanna Moss, Director of Strategy at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was scheduled to introduce the requirement for Local Authorities and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to develop Neighbourhood Health Plans, as outlined in the national Neighbourhood Health Framework published in March 2026. The report provided an overview of the implications for Camden, including alignment with initial expectations for 2026/27 and the development of an outcomes framework to support the plan for 2027/28. The framework aims to establish integrated, multi-disciplinary services delivered closer to people's homes, empowering individuals to lead healthier lives and offering greater choice in accessing support. The report noted that Camden's existing progress in joint local working aligns well with the initial expectations for 2026/27, with agreed neighbourhood footprints and ongoing work to develop Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs).

Work Programme of the Health and Wellbeing Board

The Director of Public Health, Kirsten Watters, presented the draft work programme for the Health and Wellbeing Board. The programme is a working document developed by Board members and partners, overseen by the Chair and supported by Camden strategy officers. The Board was asked to note the draft programme and consider any additional items for inclusion. The work programme is guided by Camden's Health & Wellbeing Strategy 2022-30, which focuses on helping residents to start well, live well and age well. The current short-term priorities for action, updated in 2025, are reducing alcohol-related harm, reducing drug-related harm, and embedding prevention in neighbourhoods. The programme also included updates on various other topics, such as the Health Protection Update, the Better Care Fund, Neighbourhood Health Plans, Annual Child Death reports, and specific initiatives like All-Age Accommodation, the Centre for Prevention, Community Pharmacies, and Virtual Wards & Hospital at Home.