The Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Health met to discuss the merger of two Integrated Care Boards and the proposed terms of reference for the committee itself. The meeting also included an update on the West and North London Integrated Care Board's plans and priorities.

West and North London Integrated Care Board Update

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to considering an update on the merger of the North Central London (NCL) and North West London (NWL) Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), which have now formed the West and North London ICB. This new organisation serves 4.5 million residents across 13 boroughs with a commissioning budget of £12 billion. The report outlined the ICB's purpose to strategically commission healthcare services, with a focus on population health, outcomes, and equity. It detailed the challenges of current spending being heavily weighted towards hospitals and crisis services, leading to unequal life chances across the region.

The update highlighted the ICB's priorities for its first year, including delivering operational commitments and financial plans, establishing the new organisation's structure and governance, investing in population health interventions, and developing a clinically-led strategy. The report also touched upon the ICB's statutory duties, such as safeguarding arrangements, and its continued partnership working with local authorities on initiatives like the Better Care Fund plans and SEND reform.

The role of Integrators was explained as a key element in facilitating neighbourhood health delivery, bridging the gap between NHS, local authority, and voluntary sectors. The report detailed the proposed integrator arrangements for various boroughs within the West and North London area. The committee was also provided with an overview of Primary Care Commissioning, including its landscape, priorities, and the proposed transfer of some functions to provider organisations. Information was also presented on community, mental health, and acute care providers within the West and North London area.

North Central London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee Membership and Terms of Reference

The committee was scheduled to note its membership and terms of reference for the 2026/27 municipal year. The report outlined the purpose of the North Central London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC), which is to engage with NHS bodies on strategic area-wide issues concerning the coordination, commissioning, and provision of NHS health services across Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, and Islington. The terms of reference also include responding to proposals for changes to specialised NHS services and formal consultations on substantial developments or variations in health services. The report emphasised that the JHOSC would operate independently of individual Health Overview and Scrutiny Committees (HOSCs) but would seek to promote joint working and avoid duplication. The proposed membership for the 2026/27 year was listed, with Councillor Joseph Croft and Councillor Kiran Prasad representing Islington Council.

Work Programme

An outline of items for consideration as part of the 2026/27 work programme for the North Central London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee was presented. This included a discussion on how experts from various organisations could contribute to future discussions.

Other Business

The agenda also included items for the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair(s) for the upcoming municipal year, confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting on 9 March 2026, and consideration of any urgent business or declarations of interest. The committee was also informed of the dates for future meetings.