The Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel met on Thursday 5 March 2026 to discuss the impact of Integrated Care Board (ICB) changes, the Healthy Weight action plan, and dementia care in Merton. The panel noted updates on these key areas and discussed potential future work programme items.

Impact of ICB Changes on Health and Care Systems

The panel received an update from Mark Creelman, Place Executive, regarding changes within the Integrated Care Board (ICB). Discussions focused on a 58% reduction in management costs, plans for neighbourhood integration, and strategic commissioning. Members expressed concerns about the number of redundancies, the continuity of services, and the reallocation of resources towards community care. The ICB agreed to provide a table detailing what functions are ceasing, transferring, or remaining. It was clarified that the 58% reduction applied specifically to the management costs of running the ICB, with separate efficiency targets for the wider South West London commissioning service. The ICB has implemented a voluntary redundancy scheme and a freeze on vacancies.

Healthy Weight Action Plan

Rachel Tilford, Senior Public Health Principal, presented the new Eat Well, Be Active action plan, which focuses on food, physical activity, and addressing inequalities. The plan replaces previous strategies on tackling diabetes and child healthy weight. Discussions touched upon breastfeeding support, with the action plan expected to provide further detail, and weight-loss therapies, which are being managed by the ICB. Concerns were raised about potential health inequalities related to the cost and availability of certain weight-loss drugs. The panel noted that while data on healthy weight would still be monitored, the Eat Well, Be Active initiative has independent benefits beyond weight management.

Dementia Care in Merton

Barry Causer, Associate Director of Public Health, introduced the report on dementia care in Merton, supported by multi-agency colleagues. The panel viewed two films, This is Our Dementia and Feel-Good Folders, which highlighted the lived experiences of residents, information on memory services, carer support, and dementia-friendly initiatives. Discussions addressed the council's extensive translation services and efforts by Adult Social Care to match assessors with clients of similar backgrounds or languages. The importance of information and advice for carers regarding available resources and services was emphasised. Panel members raised concerns about diagnosis times, the burden on carers, and the complexities of navigating the health and social care system.

Value of Local Healthwatch

Dave Curtis, Head of Healthwatch Merton, presented a report on the value of local Healthwatch organisations. He informed the panel that Healthwatch is slated for abolition under the NHS 10-year plan, with 153 local organisations across the country facing closure. The priority, he stated, is to safeguard a local mechanism for drawing on community voices and to protect the independent patient voice. The panel agreed to add Healthwatch to its work programme for the following year to receive a further update.

Work Programme and Topic Suggestions

The panel reviewed its work programme and discussed potential future topics. Members were invited to submit any topic suggestions for the panel's consideration by Friday, 20 March 2026.