The Scrutiny Health & Social Care Sub-Committee meeting on 03 February 2026 focused on the health and care needs of older residents, the implementation of neighbourhood health initiatives, and updates on the Adults Living Independently programme. Key decisions included noting the findings of the Older People Needs Assessment, endorsing the principles of Healthwatch Croydon, and agreeing to a revised scrutiny work programme.

Older People Needs Assessment

The Sub-Committee reviewed the Older People Needs Assessment (OPNA), which highlights a projected 25% increase in Croydon's over-65 population by 2030. The assessment identifies significant health inequalities, with life expectancy varying considerably between the most and least deprived areas. Key health challenges include rising rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression, alongside issues such as falls, dementia, and sensory impairments. Social determinants like inadequate housing, transportation barriers, and digital exclusion were also identified as significant concerns. The report outlines 19 recommendations grouped into four themes: becoming an age-friendly borough, strengthening preventive care, enhancing integrated care for complex needs, and addressing social isolation and mental health. The Sub-Committee recommended that the OPNA include maps detailing the distribution of the older population and healthy/unhealthy life expectancy across all wards, and that Figure 3.1 be updated to include all wards.

Neighbourhood Health and Care: National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP)

Croydon has been selected as one of 43 Wave 1 sites for the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP). This initiative aims to improve joined-up, proactive, and preventative care through Integrated Neighbourhood Teams. The programme builds on Croydon's existing work in this area, with a focus on supporting over 50,000 adults with multiple long-term conditions. Early findings from pilot sites suggest that a more holistic, resident-centred approach can resolve issues more quickly and free up GP capacity. The programme is being co-produced with residents and partners, with a focus on improving patient-reported outcomes and experiences. The Sub-Committee noted the progress of the NNHIP and the national guidance for planning Neighbourhood Health and Care in 2026/27. They requested that future updates include quantifiable data, such as mapping and the age profile of the cohort with long-term conditions, to ensure alignment with areas of highest need.

Adults Living Independently Transformation Programme and savings update for 2025/26 and 2026/27

An update was provided on the Adults Living Independently (ALI) transformation programme, which aims to support residents to live more independently and achieve financial savings for the council. The programme is on track to meet its savings targets, with £4 million projected for 2025/26 and £6.156 million proposed for 2026/27. Key areas of focus include older people's domiciliary care hours and step-down targets in mental health and disabilities. The Sub-Committee heard that the backlog of Occupational Therapy (OT) assessments has been cleared and that digital tools are being implemented to support practitioners. Concerns were raised about the level of detail provided for the 2026/27 savings proposals, and the Sub-Committee concluded that this would be raised with the Scrutiny Chairs & Vice-Chairs Group and the Scrutiny & Overview Committee. Support for unpaid carers was highlighted, with increased investment and a focus on contingency planning. The Sub-Committee was reassured that care would be provided where needed, with ongoing review and quality assurance.

Update from Healthwatch Croydon

Healthwatch Croydon presented updates on their reports concerning Type 2 diabetes care among Black African and Caribbean residents, and neurodiversity and healthcare access. For Type 2 diabetes, findings indicated a need for more culturally appropriate dietary and lifestyle advice, improved visibility of services, and greater cultural competency among healthcare professionals. The report suggested using community organisations, such as churches, and lived experience groups to improve engagement and address stigma. Regarding neurodiversity, the report highlighted challenges faced by individuals in accessing healthcare, including long waiting times for diagnosis, a lack of understanding from professionals, and a need for tailored support and clearer communication. Recommendations included improving access to diagnosis and post-diagnosis support, increasing training for healthcare professionals, and promoting wider understanding of neurodiversity. The Sub-Committee also received a briefing on proposed future arrangements for patient engagement, expressing concerns about the potential loss of an independent voice and the complexity of navigating services under new proposals. The Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care confirmed cross-party support for the principles of Healthwatch and stated that a letter would be drafted to the government in support of these principles.

Scrutiny Work Programme 2025-2026

The Sub-Committee noted the draft work programme for 2025-26. A suggestion was made to include an item on the governance of Prevention of Future Deaths notices and how learning from these reports is embedded across Adult Social Care commissioning, safeguarding, and transformation programmes.