The Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on 16 September 2026 addressed concerns regarding GP capacity and the impact of new housing developments, discussed the effectiveness of community equipment and technology services, and reviewed updates on the Integrated Care Board (ICB) reorganisation and neighbourhood health planning. The committee also received reports on the quality accounts of local NHS trusts and the progress of various Task and Finish Groups.

GP Capacity and New Housing Developments

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing public concerns about the shortage of General Practitioners (GPs) in specific areas of Barnet, particularly in light of ongoing new housing developments. John Dix, a member of the public, raised concerns that the number of patients per GP in Barnet was above the British Medical Association (BMA) standard. Representatives from the West and North London ICB, Vanessa Piper (Deputy Director of Primary Care Contracting) and Diane McDonald (Deputy Director of Estates Programs), stated that while some practices were above the BMA standard, Barnet's GP numbers per 1,000 patients were comparable to the ICB and England averages. They also highlighted that the ICB monitors workforce numbers and appointment data, and currently has no major concerns about workforce or appointment provision across Barnet.

However, Mr. Dix expressed disappointment with this response, arguing it was too high-level and did not address local issues. He specifically asked councillors whether the committee could influence planners to impose conditions on major new developments to ensure adequate GP facilities. Councillors acknowledged the GP shortage and recalled a previous task and finish group on the issue. They agreed to take the matter back to the planners and consider revisiting the task and finish group.

Discussions revealed that GPs are independent contractors responsible for finding accommodation, and that creating new GP practices is complex. Councillors noted that while planning applications sometimes include space for GP practices, there have been instances where no provider has been found to occupy these spaces. The ICB committed to providing written follow-up data on workforce and appointment figures and to work with planners and local councillors on mapping existing capacity and identifying needs for additional primary care practices in areas of regeneration.

Community Equipment and Technology Services

The committee received an update on the performance of Provide, the new community equipment provider for eight North London boroughs, established after the previous provider, NRS, went into liquidation. The report indicated that Provide's performance had improved since its inception, with recycling rates now above 70%. Councillor Charli Thompson raised concerns about how independence is defined and measured in relation to assistive technology, questioning whether the focus was on greater choice and control for individuals or on reducing support needs. She also asked how the impact of replacing human support with technology on overall well-being was assessed and how the preventative nature of these services was being measured.

While the committee noted the report and the positive progress of Provide, questions were raised about comparing performance with other boroughs, the return of issued equipment, and the meaning of waiting times for equipment. The officers confirmed that direct comparisons with non-partner boroughs were difficult due to a lack of hard data, but performance among the eight partner boroughs was consistent. They explained that crutches are typically issued by hospitals and not covered by this contract, and that the service has a good recycling rate for other equipment. The waiting times for equipment delivery were clarified as one working day for standard referrals, with provision for same-day urgent deliveries. The procurement process for Provide, involving eight boroughs and led by Camden, was also discussed, with assurances that Camden acts on behalf of all participating boroughs.

Integrated Care Board (ICB) Reorganisation and Neighbourhood Health Planning

Councillor Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, provided an update on the reorganisation of the West and North London ICB into a more strategic body covering a wider area. She highlighted that this change would affect representation on the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB), with a new dedicated link person, David Pennington, Director of Safeguarding, appointed. Councillor Moore also discussed neighbourhood health planning, noting that work was progressing and would be a topic for future HWB discussions. She mentioned that the Better Care Fund¹, which provides joint funding between the NHS and local authorities for adult social care, would be accepted by the HWB. The report also touched upon the challenges of an aging population with poorer health and the increasing numbers of working-age adults with complex needs, underscoring the importance of prevention and early intervention.

Other Matters

The committee also received and noted updates on the quality accounts of the Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, and the North London Hospice. All three organisations reported on their performance, quality improvement initiatives, and challenges. The committee also received updates on various Task and Finish Groups, including the Food Security² group, which had made recommendations that were partially accepted by Cabinet. The Cabinet Forward Plan and the committee's work programme for 2026-27 were also noted.