The Health and Wellbeing Board of Redbridge Council meeting scheduled for 14 September 2026 was planned to address several public health initiatives. The agenda included discussions on neighbourhood health planning, women's health projects, the Better Care Fund, and an obesity needs assessment, with the overall focus on reviewing reports and plans aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities across Redbridge.

Neighbourhood Health Plan

A report was scheduled to be presented on the Neighbourhood Health Plan, detailing the national and local approaches to its development. The plan's objective is to centre communities in care delivery through collaboration between the NHS, local authorities, and other partners. The report was expected to outline the ask of neighbourhoods, emphasizing proactive care, the use of population health data for identifying health inequalities, and the formation of integrated multi-disciplinary teams. The proposed structure for Neighbourhood Health Plans included sections on executive summary, neighbourhood profile, partnership and delivery models, priorities, enablers, and outcomes. The report was expected to recommend that the Board note its findings.

Women's Health Project Report

The Board was scheduled to receive a report on the Women's Health Project, which examined lived experiences and barriers to care related to cervical screening, breast screening, and perimenopause/menopause. This project, undertaken by Healthwatch Redbridge, focused on health inequalities, particularly for seldom-heard groups such as disabled women and women from global majority backgrounds. Key themes identified across all three areas included challenges with access (physical and informational), low health literacy, cultural stigma, and insufficient clinical support. The report was expected to recommend that the Board note the findings, support system-wide actions for accessible and inclusive services, champion improved health literacy, promote screening initiatives through trusted channels, and support enhanced collection and utilization of diversity data.

Better Care Fund Plan 2026-27

A report was scheduled for discussion concerning the Redbridge Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for 2026-27. The BCF aims to integrate health, social care, and housing services to promote independent living. The core objectives for the BCF include supporting integrated and preventative care, adhering to expenditure and grant conditions, and ensuring effective governance, reporting, and engagement. The plan was expected to detail the pooled budget of £44,145,281, comprising contributions from the Disabled Facilities Grant, the Local Authority Better Care Grant, and the NHS Minimum Contribution. The report was expected to recommend that the Board approve the attached BCF Plan 2026-27.

Obesity Needs Assessment 2026

The Board was scheduled to receive the Obesity Health Needs Assessment (HNA) for 2026. This assessment was intended to provide an evidence-based overview of the needs and outcomes of Redbridge residents regarding obesity prevention and healthy weight management, informing local priorities, identifying service gaps, and guiding resource allocation. The HNA was expected to highlight that obesity prevalence remains high across the life course, with specific concerns for children and pregnant individuals, and note significant inequalities in obesity distribution based on deprivation, ethnicity, age, sex, disability, and food insecurity. The HNA was expected to make recommendations including adopting a whole-systems approach for healthier environments, prioritizing prevention across the life course, ensuring equitable access to inclusive and culturally competent support, improving integrated care pathways, enhancing communication and resident voice, and leveraging digital innovation. The Board was expected to be recommended to note the key findings and recommendations of the assessment.

Air Quality Action Plan

An Air Quality Action Plan was listed on the agenda. Further details were not available in the provided documents.

The meeting agenda also included standing items such as apologies for absence, election of a Chair and Vice Chair, declaration of interests, and the approval of previous minutes. Public question time was also scheduled.