Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Bexley Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on 4 December 2025. The agenda included discussion of the Better Care Fund, an update on the Autism Strategy, the Families First Programme, health and care reforms, and a new sexual and reproductive health strategy. The board was also expected to address public questions and consider items for information and any other business.

New Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Strategy

The board was scheduled to consider adopting the jointly developed Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Bexley and Bromley Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Strategy 2025-2030. The strategy sets out a unified vision for improving outcomes and reducing disparities across South East London, aligning with the London Mayor's ambition of zero HIV-related stigma, zero new HIV transmissions and zero HIV-related deaths.

The strategy is built around four main themes:

• Healthy and fulfilling sexual relationships
• Improving reproductive health
• Reducing the rates of sexually transmitted infections
• Preventing and living well with HIV

The strategy recognises that some groups are more affected by poor sexual and reproductive health, including people under 25, gay and bisexual men, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, and other marginalised groups.

Bexley Wellbeing Partnership - Health and Care Reforms

The board was scheduled to discuss a report outlining Bexley's development of its 2026/27 Neighbourhood Health Plan. The NHS 10-Year Health Plan sets out a shift toward prevention, neighbourhood-based care, and a streamlined NHS structure focused on strategic commissioning through Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs) are expected to play a central role in translating this national vision into local action.

The board was asked to provide feedback on the proposed governance review process for the Bexley Health & Wellbeing Board and the Bexley Wellbeing Partnership, and to endorse the proposed approach and timelines for reviewing and endorsing health strategies and plans in the immediate term (2025/26).

Autism Strategy - Progress Update

The board was scheduled to receive a progress update on Bexley's Autism Strategy and action plan, which was approved in 2024. The Bexley Autism Strategy has a vision that:

'Autistic people of all ages in Bexley are valued, supported and empowered to thrive as individuals.'

To work towards this vision the strategy has five priority areas:

• Raising Awareness
• Access to Support and Services
• Opportunities to be Heard
• Health and Wellbeing
• Access to Education and Employment

The board was asked to note the actions progressed since the launch of the Autism strategy and review the RAG rated Autism strategy action plan.

Better Care Fund Quarter 2 Return 2025/26

The board was scheduled to sign off Bexley's Better Care Fund (BCF) Return for Quarter 2 2025/26. The BCF Programme supports local systems to deliver integration of health and social care¹. The Quarter 2 BCF Return confirms compliance with all national conditions, reports on progress against the BCF metrics and provides a financial overview.

The board was also expected to note an update on the BCF metrics. At the time of submission of the BCF Quarter 2 return, some of the data required to assess progress against the BCF metrics was not yet available. Our progress against the three main BCF metrics is summarised below:

• Emergency admissions of people aged 65 and over
• Discharge delays
• Admissions of older people (65+) to care homes

Families First Programme

The board was scheduled to receive a presentation on the new Families First Programme (FFP). The Families First Partnership (FFP) is a national programme launched by the Department for Education to support local safeguarding partners in delivering key reforms to children's social care. It aims to create a more joined-up, family focused system that provides the right help at the right time—keeping children safe and strengthening families.

Public Questions

The agenda included a section for questions from members of the public who live in Bexley. The board agreed to set aside at least 10 minutes, and no more than 15 minutes, at each of their meetings for any person whose name appears in the Register of Electors for the London Borough of Bexley to ask a question.

Items for Information and Any Other Business

The board was scheduled to consider the following items:

• Joint Strategic Needs Assessment Survey A survey is currently available on the Council's website which seeks to gain a shared understanding of what affects people's health and wellbeing in our area.

• Healthwatch Annual Report 2024/25 The Healthwatch Annual Report for 2024/25 was attached for information.

• Workplan 2025/26 The Board's workplan for 2025/26 was attached and Board members were invited to amend/add to it as required.