The Health & Wellbeing Board meeting on Wednesday 11 June 2025 was scheduled to focus on the Better Care Fund, including the approval of agreements and plans for its management and future direction. Discussions were also planned regarding NHS reform and ongoing undertakings.

Better Care Fund - S75 Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding

The Board was scheduled to consider a report concerning the proposed Section 75 Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding between NHS Greater Manchester and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council. Section 75 of the National Health Service Act 2006 allows for the pooling of funds by NHS bodies and local authorities to commission health or care-related services, enabling joint commissioning and the integration of services. The report outlined the terms for a three-year period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027 for the S75 agreement and a two-year period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2026 for the Memorandum of Understanding. The Board was asked to approve both of these agreements.

Better Care Fund End of Year Reporting Template Submission

A report was scheduled to be presented detailing the Better Care Fund (BCF) End of Year Template, which had been submitted to the national BCF Team by the deadline of 6 June 2025. This report also aimed to provide the Board with an update on the overall financial performance of the BCF for the year ending 31 March 2025. The Board was asked to approve the submitted BCF 2024-25 Year End Template and to note the financial performance for the year.

Better Care Fund Plan Submission 2025-26

The Board was also scheduled to consider a report providing an update on the Better Care Fund (BCF) Planning Submission for 2025/26, which had been submitted to NHS England on 31 March 2025. This plan outlines the BCF's objectives for the upcoming year, focusing on supporting the shift from sickness to prevention and enabling people to live independently, with a focus on shifting care from hospitals to home-based settings. The Board was asked to approve the Better Care Fund Plan for 2025/26.

NHS GM Undertakings

A report was to be considered from the Deputy Place Lead, NHS GM Integrated Care Board (Stockport), informing the Board of the latest NHS Greater Manchester position in responding to enforcement undertakings issued in July 2024. The Board was asked to note the progress made against these undertakings.

NHS Reform

Another report was scheduled to be presented by the Deputy Place Lead, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board (Stockport), providing an update on NHS Greater Manchester's response to NHS Reform announced by the UK Government. The Board was asked to note the update, particularly regarding the commitment to integrated care, partnership engagement, and the development of a strengthened place-based locality model for Greater Manchester.

Forward Plan for Health & Wellbeing Boards

Finally, a report from the Assistant Director for Governance was scheduled to be considered, providing the Forward Plan of agenda items for future meetings of the Health & Wellbeing Board. The Board was invited to consider this information, put forward any additional agenda items for future meetings, and approve the Forward Plan as presented, subject to any agreed changes.