The Kent Health and Wellbeing Board met on Wednesday 30 September 2026 to discuss key priorities including the Better Care Fund, the Kent Marmot Coastal Region, and a whole-system approach to mental health and wellbeing. The Board also reviewed governance arrangements for health inequalities and prevention, and received an update on the draft Kent Neighbourhood Health Plan.

Better Care Fund

The Board received an update on the Better Care Fund (BCF), a national programme that pools NHS and local authority funding to integrate health and social care. The current pooled budget in Kent for 2026/27 totals £238,857,022. The report outlined changes to the BCF for 2026/27, which place a greater emphasis on integrated neighbourhood health and care, prevention of avoidable admissions, and demonstrating the impact of BCF-funded services. Proposed governance arrangements include a new Section 75 Partnership Board and a supporting BCF Programme Board to oversee expenditure, delivery, and performance. The Health and Wellbeing Board will retain strategic oversight and receive quarterly reports.

Kent Marmot Coastal Region Update

An update was provided on the Kent Marmot Coastal Region, launched in March 2026 to address health inequalities in coastal communities. The initiative focuses initially on employment, skills, and pathways into work, aligning with national policy developments. The programme covers coastal districts including Swale, Canterbury, Thanet, Dover, Folkestone & Hythe, and Ashford. Key pledges include supporting young people into education, employment, or training, assisting people on probation into education and employment, and supporting individuals facing additional disadvantages into work. The Board was encouraged to consider how Marmot principles can inform neighbourhood health plans and wider system transformation programmes.

Whole System Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Prevention Approach

The Board discussed the increasing prevalence and complexity of mental health needs in Kent and the close relationship between mental health and wider determinants such as deprivation, housing insecurity, and social isolation. The report endorsed a direction of travel towards a whole-system, prevention-led approach, recognising mental health and wellbeing as a cross-cutting strategic priority. The Kent and Medway Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Strategy 2026–2030 was highlighted as a key component of this approach. Further work is underway to develop a whole-system mental health delivery framework, with proposals to be reported to a future meeting.

Governance of the Kent Health and Wellbeing Board

Kent and Medway Health Inequalities Group

The Board noted the establishment of the Kent and Medway Health Inequalities Group, formerly the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) Inequalities Sub-Committee. This group provides system leadership for reducing health inequalities and improving health equity across Kent and Medway. It brings together partners from local government, the NHS, voluntary and community organisations, and housing to address the wider determinants of health. The Group will champion a shared ambition for fair opportunities for healthy lives and support the dissemination of Marmot principles. Periodic updates and recommendations will be brought to the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Kent and Medway Prevention Group Review

The findings of a review into the Kent and Medway Prevention Group were presented, indicating strong support for retaining a dedicated prevention-focused forum. The review highlighted a need for greater clarity of purpose, with suggestions for future meetings to be more action-focused and outcome-driven. The Board endorsed in principle the continuation of a dedicated multi-agency Prevention Group, subject to further work on its future purpose, priorities, governance arrangements, and membership. A further update will be provided following completion of a mapping exercise and subsequent Prevention Group discussions.

Strategic Partnership for Health and Economy

The Board noted the progress made by the Strategic Partnership for Health and Economy (SPHE), which provides system leadership on health, work, and inclusive growth. SPHE brings together partners across health, employment, skills, and economic development. The Board endorsed SPHE's role in providing strategic coordination and system leadership, recognising its contribution to addressing the wider determinants of health and reducing health inequalities. SPHE will continue to provide a forum for strategic alignment and will develop a shared outcome and evidence framework.

Early Draft of the Kent Neighbourhood Health Plan

The Board reviewed an early draft of the Kent Neighbourhood Health Plan, which is being developed to translate national neighbourhood health expectations and local population priorities into a shared framework for action. The plan aims to improve health through integrated neighbourhood working, focusing on prevention, community-based care, and digital services, while also addressing local inequalities and wider determinants of health. The Board was asked to comment on the draft at this early stage to inform its ongoing development. The plan is scheduled for implementation from April 2027.

Kent Health and Wellbeing Board Terms of Reference

The Board considered draft terms of reference for the Health and Wellbeing Board. Minor amendments were made to wording regarding membership representation, particularly concerning General Practitioners and Provider Collaboratives. The revised terms of reference will be subject to consideration by the Selection and Member Services Committee and Full Council for formal approval.

Work Programme

The Board noted the work programme, with items to be brought forward in due course through agenda-setting meetings.