The Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission was scheduled to discuss a new community mental health offer and an update on the health impacts of poor air quality. The meeting also included a review of the commission's work programme and minutes from previous meetings.

A New Community Mental Health Offer

The commission was scheduled to begin a two-part discussion on a new community mental health offer. The first session was intended to provide background and context on local mental health provision, including prevalence, current support, and how individuals access services provided by the East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT). It was also planned to explore the drivers for ELFT's Transformation Programme, its timelines, and consultations, as well as commissioning intentions in North East London and the work of the integrated mental health post.

Contributors for this session were expected to include Jennifer Millmore, Senior Public Health Specialist (Mental Health and Suicide Prevention) for City and Hackney Public Health; Jed Francique, Borough Director for City and Hackney, and Dr Olivier Andlauer, Clinical Director for City and Hackney, both from ELFT; Perpetua Knight, Deputy Director of Integrated Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism for NHS NEL; and Vanessa Morris, Chief Executive of Mind CHWF (City, Hackney, Waltham Forest).

A follow-up session on 15 January 2026 was scheduled to focus on ELFT's updated Community Mental Health Offer, examining how the new approach would differ from previous ones, issues arising from consultations, challenges related to funding, alignment with the Neighbourhoods Programme and Adult Social Care, and the NHS 10 Year Plan's emphasis on digital engagement.

The report pack highlighted that in Hackney, depression diagnoses are higher than the London average, and diagnoses of Severe Mental Illness (SMI) are approximately 50% higher than in London or England. It also noted that wait times for ELFT secondary care psychological therapies can be up to 18 months. The briefing paper from Mind CHWF raised concerns about the potential loss of good practice and cost-efficiency solutions due to governance and financial challenges, as well as structural changes and multiple commissioner frameworks. It also pointed out that 40% of local VCSE providers are at financial risk.

Update on Health Impacts of Poor Air Quality and New Air Quality Action Plan

The commission was scheduled to receive an update on progress in tackling air pollution in Hackney. This included examining air quality trends and changes in 2024 and 2025, progress on the current Air Quality Action Plan, and the proposed new Air Quality Action Plan for 2026-2030. The discussion was expected to cover what is changing and the progress towards adoption of the new plan.

Dave Trew, Land Air Water Manager for Sustainability and Environmental Services, Climate Homes and Economy Directorate; Tom Richardson, Environment Projects Officer - Land, Water Air; and Sam Kirk, Assistant Director Climate, Sustainability & Environmental Services were expected to attend. Councillor Sarah Young, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, was also scheduled to be present.

The report indicated that while Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) levels have decreased significantly across most monitoring sites, there are still stubborn areas of exceedance, such as Pembury Circus. Particulate matter (PM10) levels were generally below national objectives, with a slight exceedance at Homerton Library. Ozone (O3) levels showed evidence of increases over five years, presenting a challenge for control.

The new Air Quality Action Plan 2026-2030 aims to achieve World Health Organization (WHO) interim targets for NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 by 2030. The plan is grouped into themes including air quality monitoring, planning and construction, buildings, heating and solid fuel, cleaner transport, schools, communities and the local environment, public health and awareness raising, advocacy and partnership working, and indoor air quality. Key priorities include working towards WHO guideline values, cleaning up construction sites, reducing emissions from solid fuel burning, tackling engine idling, and improving air quality around schools and healthcare settings.

Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission Work Programme

The commission was scheduled to consider the updated work programme for the remainder of the year. This document outlines the planned topics for future meetings, including discussions on Adult Social Care, Homerton Healthcare's Quality Account, substance use support, and primary care services. It also details planned follow-ups on previous discussions, such as the Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and the NHS Federated Data Platform.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The commission was due to consider the draft minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 October 2025 and review the updated Action Tracker. The minutes from that meeting indicated discussions on changes to the NEL ICB and the NHS 10 Year Plan, the future of Soft Facilities Management Services at Homerton Healthcare, and Integrated Neighbourhood Teams in City & Hackney.