The Warwickshire Health and Wellbeing Board met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to discuss the future of Healthwatch Warwickshire, the development of neighbourhood health plans, and updates on the Better Care Fund. Key decisions included endorsing the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy as the foundation for future neighbourhood health plans and agreeing to explore mechanisms for sustaining an independent patient voice following the proposed abolition of Healthwatch.

Healthwatch Warwickshire's Future and Transition Panels

The meeting addressed the significant uncertainty surrounding the future of Healthwatch Warwickshire, following the introduction of the NHS Modernisation Bill which proposes the abolition of Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations. Chris Bain, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Warwickshire, and Caroline Graham, Engagement and Intelligence Lead, presented an update on their work, including the establishment of transition panels. These panels, comprising over 51 individuals from various sectors including the local authority, NHS trusts, patient groups, and the voluntary sector, were convened to discuss how patient and public voice can continue to be heard.

Key themes emerging from the transition panels emphasised the critical importance of independence in patient advocacy, the need to protect inclusive engagement to reach often-ignored groups, and the value of existing local knowledge and relationships. Concerns were raised that moving these functions into statutory or provider-led bodies could reduce trust and accountability.

The Board acknowledged the significant impact the cessation of Healthwatch's work would have on providers, commissioners, communities, and individuals. Councillor Wayne Briggs (Portfolio Holder for Children & Families, Education and SEND) asked what more the administration could do to support Healthwatch, to which Chris Bain responded that the focus was on protecting patient voice and experience, rather than solely on protecting the Healthwatch organisation itself. Councillor Maggie O'Rourke proposed sending a recommendation to the Adult Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee to ask the Secretary of State to reconsider the proposed changes.

The Integrated Care Board (ICB) reaffirmed its commitment to finding a way to fund the continuation of an independent voice, acknowledging the public's value for Healthwatch's independence. Becky Hale, Executive Director for Social Care and Health, confirmed the Council's commitment to working with the ICB to ensure the functions of Healthwatch are sustained. The Board noted the remarkable value for money provided by Healthwatch's work, given its expenditure.

A further face-to-face meeting is planned for 12 October 2026 to further discuss mechanisms for gathering community and patient voice independently and to develop a framework for the transfer of responsibilities.

Neighbourhood Health Update

The Board received an update on the Neighbourhood Health Framework, published by the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, which establishes neighbourhood health as a key delivery mechanism for the NHS 10-Year Plan. This framework outlines expectations for local systems to develop Neighbourhood Health Plans (NHPs) to improve population health outcomes, reduce inequalities, and deliver integrated services.

The report highlighted that the draft Health Bill proposes significant reforms, including the potential removal of statutory requirements for Integrated Care Partnerships and changes to Health and Wellbeing Boards' (HWBBs) duties, moving towards the development of NHPs.

To address potential duplication and ensure continuity, the Board was asked to endorse the recently approved Warwickshire Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-31 as the primary evidence base and strategic foundation for Warwickshire's NHP. This approach aims to retain agreed priorities and translate them into neighbourhood-level delivery. The Board resolved to note the publication of the Neighbourhood Health Framework and endorse the Warwickshire Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-31 as the strategic foundation for Warwickshire's Neighbourhood Health Plan.

Discussions also touched upon the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) across Warwickshire North, Rugby, and South Warwickshire, with a focus on aligning primary care, community, and mental health services. Councillor Wayne Briggs highlighted the challenge of social media's impact on young people's engagement with physical activity, while Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko (Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health) emphasised the need for clear communication and investment in preventative measures. Councillor Jim Sinnott noted the importance of mainstreaming successful pilot projects, and Councillor Jerry Roodhouse stressed the need for clear communication, free from jargon, to engage residents. Councillor Bobbie Greenwood raised concerns about the lack of focus on dental health, particularly for young people, and a commitment was made to provide a future update on dental access.

Better Care Fund (BCF) Update and Reform

Rachel Briden, Integrated Partnership Manager, provided an update on the Better Care Fund (BCF), highlighting its history, purpose, and the ongoing challenges and opportunities associated with its planned reform. The BCF was originally established to integrate health and social care, particularly for older people, and has been a useful tool for pooling budgets and fostering joint accountability.

However, long-standing challenges were identified, including the annual planning cycle, uncertainty around funding, difficulty in balancing competing priorities, and the fact that large parts of the pooled budget are committed to long-term services, leaving little room for manoeuvre. The report noted that the Local Authority Better Care Grant (LABCG), a significant portion of the BCF funding, is temporary and confirmed annually, creating financial risk for the Council.

The upcoming reform of the BCF, expected to take effect from April 2027, presents both opportunities and risks. While there is potential to streamline funding arrangements and support neighbourhood health initiatives, there are concerns about the potential for less focus on maintaining core adult social care services, which currently rely heavily on BCF funding. The report indicated that the LABCG may be incorporated into the Council's wider Revenue Support Grant, with uncertainty about whether it will remain ring-fenced for social care.

The Board considered and commented on the potential risks, issues, and opportunities arising from the reform of the Better Care Fund and considered and commented on performance against the national Better Care Fund metrics. Members expressed concerns about the complexity of the current system and the need for simplification, with Councillor Jerry Roodhouse advocating for a return to the fund's original aims of using resources wisely and effectively. Eamonn Kelly highlighted the dilemma of using the BCF to maintain core services while also needing to pump-prime new initiatives. Sue Noyes emphasised the need for a rethink of the financial framework to support neighbourhood health. Pete Sidgwick noted the difficulty of making substantial changes locally given national reforms and the reliance on the BCF for core services. Christiane Waring discussed efforts to shift money around within the ICB to better utilise collective resources. Councillor Jo Barker acknowledged the positive performance against some BCF metrics and inquired about the Council's input into the Casey Commission review.

Health and Wellbeing Board Governance Review

The Board reviewed the findings of a governance review commissioned from the Local Government Association. The review identified strong collaborative foundations, ambitious leadership, and a clear focus on population health and Place in Warwickshire. However, it also highlighted opportunities to simplify the supporting governance structure, reduce duplication, strengthen links with Place Partnerships, and ensure Board time is used for strategic discussion.

Key recommendations included standing down the HWBB Executive Group and Children and Young People Partnership to reduce duplication, updating Board membership to include key strategic leads from the Council, NHS, and the voluntary sector, and developing revised terms of reference. The Board noted and commented on the findings of the governance review and the proposed changes, and recommended that full Council approves the amendments to the Council's Constitution to reflect these changes. A further review will be required following Local Government Reorganisation.

Summary of Health and Wellbeing Board Development Session (July 2026)

The Board received a summary of a development session focused on children and young people's mental health and wellbeing. The session highlighted that mental health is shaped by wider conditions, not just services, with significant emphasis placed on the first 1,001 days of life, family support, resilience, and the wider determinants of health.

Two key areas emerged for collective leadership: galvanising partners around the 0-2 cohort and strengthening resilience and protective factors throughout childhood and adolescence. The Board noted the key themes from the session, reaffirmed its commitment to improving conditions for children and young people's mental health, and recommended that partner organisations identify officer leads to work with the Public Health team to align resources and support practical action.

Healthwatch Warwickshire Annual Report

In addition to the update on the future of Healthwatch, the Board received Healthwatch Warwickshire's Annual Report. The report detailed their activities over the past year, including supporting over 49,000 people for advice and information and publishing 14 reports on various health and care services. The report highlighted the significant impact of volunteers and the organisation's commitment to reaching diverse communities. The Board noted the Healthwatch Warwickshire Annual Report and update.

The meeting also included a discussion on infant mortality rates in Rugby, with an update provided on the work of a Task and Finish Group established to address this issue. The Board also discussed the Wellbeing Board Governance Review, noting that it had been pulled from the agenda due to last-minute issues.