The Health and Wellbeing Board of Shropshire Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important topics, including updates on services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, reforms within children's services, and progress on the Housing and Health Action Plan. The meeting was also set to cover activity and future plans from Healthwatch Shropshire, the delivery progress of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and updates from the Integrated Care Board.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) & Alternative Provision (AP) Board Update

The Board was scheduled to receive an update on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Board. The report indicated that significant improvements had been made over the past year in Shropshire's SEND provision, with enhanced co-production and the development of cohesive structures linking key aspects of SEND services. Health wait times for children and young people had improved, and therapy sessions were more accessible within mainstream schools. The EHC plan team had focused on improving the quality and accuracy of plans, with additional resources allocated to ensure all plans are up to date by Easter 2026. There had also been a substantial reduction in permanent exclusions, supported by the Inclusive Development Grant and increased training for school staff. However, challenges remain, including long waits for Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans and neurodiverse assessments due to rising demand. The report also highlighted the financial implications, with a £41 million deficit in the High Needs Block (HNB) budget presenting a major challenge to sustainability.

Children's Service Reforms & Families First

An overview of national reforms impacting Children's Services was scheduled for discussion, with a focus on how these changes might affect Shropshire. These reforms, described as the largest in decades, aim to rebalance the system towards early intervention and prevention. Key programmes include the Families First Partnership, Best Start in Life Family Hubs, and the Local Youth Transformation Pilot. The report highlighted that Shropshire has a high number of children in care, which is disproportionately high compared to the regional average, despite relatively low levels of poverty. A significant portion of the Children's Services budget is spent on Children's Social Care, leaving less for earlier intervention and prevention services. The reforms are seen as an opportunity to rebalance this spend and reinvest in earlier help and support.

Housing & Health Action Plan Update

An update on the Housing and Health Action Plan was scheduled, building on previous discussions. The framework for this work has been shaped by workshops and task and finish group meetings, aligning with Shropshire Council's strategic objectives to support population health and independent living. Despite pressures within the Housing service, work on this agenda has resulted in meaningful improvements. The report detailed increased regulation for social housing providers, including the implementation of Awaab's Law, which mandates strict response times for damp and mould concerns. The Renters' Rights Act was also noted, granting councils enhanced investigatory authority and the power to levy higher penalties on rogue landlords. Progress in improving temporary accommodation provision was highlighted, with the implementation of four in-house temporary housing schemes providing over 100 units and a reduction in the use of Bed and Breakfast accommodation.

Healthwatch Shropshire – Recent Activity & Forward Plan 2026-27

The Board was set to receive an update on the work undertaken by Healthwatch Shropshire since April 2025, as well as an overview of their forward plan for 2026-27. The report noted the decision to abolish Healthwatch nationally, and the Board was asked to consider the implications of this for the independent voice of people using health and social care services in Shropshire. The recommendations included ensuring the principle and function of independent feedback remains on the agenda and seeking clarification on the mechanism for transferring Healthwatch functions into the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Shropshire Council.

Health & Wellbeing Strategy Delivery Progress

This report provided an update on the progress made towards the delivery of the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWBB) Strategy from its publication in 2022 to the end of 2025. The strategy sets out a long-term vision for Shropshire, with priorities focusing on improving population health, reducing inequalities, working with communities, and fostering joined-up working. The report detailed areas showing improvement since the baseline, such as a reduction in excess under 75 mortality rates in adults with severe mental illness and improvements in hospital admissions for unintentional and deliberate injuries in children. However, areas worsening since the baseline included healthy life expectancy and suicide rates. The report also outlined progress against key focus areas such as Workforce, Mental Health, Children and Young People, and Healthy Weight and Physical Activity.

ICB Update

An update from the NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (ICB) was scheduled, covering current activities and next steps. Key topics included the NHS Government Reset Programme, which involves a voluntary redundancy scheme and a formal Management of Change consultation. The update also addressed Urgent & Emergency Care winter pressures, highlighting initiatives to mitigate winter pressures and improve patient flow. The launch of a new Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) Programme for people living in STW was noted, aiming to identify lung cancer early. Additionally, a review of Locally Commissioned Services (LCS) in General Practice was underway to ensure funding is fair, sustainable, and aligned with local population needs.

ShIPP Update

An update from the Shropshire Integrated Place Partnership (ShIPP) was scheduled. ShIPP is Shropshire's Place Partnership Committee, responsible for ensuring that services provide the best quality, evidence-based care and support, improving outcomes and reducing health inequalities. The meeting covered updates from the ShIPP Accelerator Group, the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP), ShIPP Prevention Funding, Healthy Ageing, the draft Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) for 0–25-year-olds Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), Lung Cancer Screening, and the Urgent & Emergency Care Winter Plan. The committee noted progress in these areas and agreed on several next steps, including a planning workshop for the ShIPP Accelerator Group and clarification on funding for children and young people's social prescribing.