The Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on 4 March 2026 addressed the ongoing measles outbreak in North Central London, discussed the Shaping Edmonton regeneration programme, and reviewed the Enfield Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The Board also received updates on the Fair Funding Formula, the SEND Local Area Self-Evaluation Report, and future agenda items.

Update on the North Central London Measles Situation

Mark Tickner, Health & Wellbeing Board & Partnerships Manager, provided background on the highly infectious nature of measles and the historical impact of outbreaks before vaccination. He explained that a false claim linking the MMR vaccine to autism led to a drop in vaccination rates, which have not fully recovered, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In some London areas, including parts of Enfield, vaccination coverage remains below the 95% required for herd immunity. A surge in cases, centred on a school in Edmonton, has resulted in approximately 117 suspected or confirmed cases, with at least one new case of mumps also linked to low MMR uptake. Despite increased vaccination efforts since January, sustained improvement is needed.

Dudu Sher-Arami, Director of Public Health, updated the Board on the coordinated response through a weekly Incident Management Team (IMT), bringing together strategic and operational partners. Following the initial phase of the outbreak, a learning event and formal report will be produced in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency to review the outbreak's origins, the effectiveness of the response, and areas for improvement. The key reason for the outbreak's concentration in Enfield, particularly Edmonton, is low MMR vaccination uptake, which, similar to the rest of London and the country, is strongly linked with deprivation and related socio-economic factors.

During the discussion, Glenn Stewart, Consultant in Public Health, highlighted the seriousness of the rising case numbers, noting the increased demand for hospital treatment, including intensive care, and the ultimate risk of mortality. Peppa Aubyn from NHS North Central London emphasised the role councillors and partners can play in promoting reliable vaccination information, reminding residents they do not need to go through their GP for advice. Councillors confirmed they are already producing multilingual messages and raising the issue in community meetings. Keely Parnaby from Healthwatch Enfield raised concerns about university students, suggesting targeted messaging for those returning home, as this group is also vulnerable to other vaccine-preventable illnesses.

Health, Housing, Environment and Economy in Future Health and Wellbeing Plans and Activity

Sam Neal, Place Delivery Lead from Transport, Climate and Place, and Andrea Bugli, Place Manager, presented the Shaping Edmonton programme. This initiative aims to make Edmonton a more welcoming place by bringing together council departments and external partners. The programme has secured £11.9 million in capital funding for improvements, including:

• Fore Street Public Welcome: Essential maintenance, new rain gardens, air quality measures, and enhancements to public spaces.
• Claremont Street Walking and Cycling Route: An early-stage scheme for an active travel link to Meridian Water.
• Led St Market and Evening Economy Activation: Plans for flexible space for markets and a vibrant evening economy.
• Joyce and Snell Community Facilities: New community spaces.

The programme also includes resident-involved projects such as the St James' Play Space, Florence Hayes Recreation Ground upgrades, Raynham Doorstep Green enhancements, Community House refurbishment, and a new Stirling Way crossing.

Andrea Bugli provided an overview of two key projects:

• Joyce and Snell Regeneration: Upgrading Boundary Hall to include a food hub and exploring community food growing, with a resident-led project, Grow Joyce & Snell, focusing on the community garden.
• GLA-funded Cross-Borough Project: Focusing on the Edmonton-Tottenham boundary area to improve health, wellbeing, community safety, and connectivity, with an architect appointed to develop ideas for capital projects.

The Board welcomed the work, particularly the focus on poorer areas with health inequalities. Peppa Aubyn noted the contribution of the ICS through the Health Equity Fund. Dudu Sher-Arami highlighted the strong alignment between Public Health and the Shaping Edmonton work through the Healthy Fore Street group, with many place-shaping initiatives having direct public health connections. Chair Cllr Alev Cazimoglu reinforced that public health implications are integrated into all council decision-making.

Enfield Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy Report

Matt Cagnetta, Policy and Project Officer, presented the annual strategic update on the Enfield Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The report highlighted strong progress against agreed priorities, cross-sector collaboration, and the development of the Health and Wellbeing Board Strategy Outcomes Framework. The publication of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment was also noted. Completed actions will be retired and replaced with new priorities as part of the two-year review cycle.

Keely Parnaby raised a clarification regarding a statement about insolvency, which will be followed up. Cllr Cazimoglu requested more detail on areas of limited progress and the quality of services. It was explained that quality indicators exist for some areas but not all. Members expressed satisfaction with the new format, noting its effectiveness in tracking measurable improvements and enhancing transparency. Tony Theodoulou, Executive Director People, commended the translation of high-level priorities into tangible, measurable objectives.

Fair Funding Formula Update

Tony Theodoulou, Executive Director People, provided an update on the Fair Funding Formula. Enfield is set to receive significantly more funding next year and over the next five years, acknowledging historical underfunding. However, ongoing financial pressures, including rising social care costs, debt servicing, and inflation, mean that services cannot be significantly expanded, and efficiencies will still be required. The improved funding will protect frontline services and prevent the need for exceptional financial support. Cllr Cazimoglu acknowledged the severe financial challenges faced by Enfield since 2010, noting that while the new settlement provides stability, the borough remains significantly underfunded overall.

SEND Enfield Local Area Self Evaluation Report

Barbara Thurogood, Head of SEN, and Helen Baeckstroem, SEN Improvement Manager, presented the SEND Local Area Self-Evaluation report. The council is expanding SEND provision in mainstream schools, with plans for around 500 children to be in specialist provision by 2027. Speech and language therapy remains a key area of need, with independent reviews leading to a new model based on school clusters. Preparing for adulthood is a priority, with expanded mental health support in colleges and new internship programmes. Tools like AV1 classroom robots are being used to support emotionally-based school avoidance. Digital communication tools and assistive technologies are also being expanded.

Keely Parnaby raised concerns about potential government changes to EHCP eligibility and diagnostic timelines. Barbara Thurogood explained that the proposed Integrated Support Plan (ISP) would become a legal document, and the lack of a formal diagnosis could impact adult services. She encouraged stakeholders to highlight these concerns during the consultation.

Future Subject Items for Spotlight and Discussion

The Chair noted that this was the final meeting before the elections and encouraged members to email suggestions for future agenda items to the next Chair and Board.

Any Other Business

Peppa Aubyn provided an update on the Integrated Care Funding Framework (ICFF), formerly the Better Care Fund. Neighbourhood priorities will be incorporated into the overall ICFF plan, which is being developed with the council. Due to national timelines, the plan cannot be signed off by the Board this municipal year. Dudu Sher-Arami suggested that the Chair be given delegated authority to sign off the plan on behalf of the Board. Dr Abirame Sambasivan raised a query about new GP contract requirements referencing neighbourhood geographies needing Health and Wellbeing Board approval. Peppa Aubyn clarified that the Board's decision-making authority would be delegated to the Chair. The Chair confirmed she would sign the plan once shared.

Next Meeting Dates and Development Sessions 2025/26

The Chair confirmed that the next Health and Wellbeing Board meeting would take place after the May elections, once the new council calendar is issued. She thanked members for their work and collaboration during the current municipal cycle.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed, with a decision to move the agenda item for agreeing minutes to the start of future meetings.