The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 19 March 2026 to discuss the Fit and Active Barnet Framework and Action Plan, and the Barnet Food Plan. The Board noted progress on the Fit and Active Barnet initiative and reviewed the draft action plan for 2026-2027. They also approved the finalisation and delivery of the Barnet Food Action Plan for 2026-2028, and received updates on the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy implementation plan.

Fit and Active Barnet Framework and Action Plan

The Board received an update on the Fit and Active Barnet (FAB) strategy, which aims to create a more active and healthier Barnet through its People, Place, and Partnerships pillars. Since April 2025, the partnership has seen over 58,000 residents register for a FAB Card, a 14% increase from the previous year. The report highlighted various achievements, including increased participation in sports and physical activities, the refurbishment of park tennis courts, and the installation of London's first free-to-use 3x3 basketball court. The FAB partnership also continues to embed physical activity within health pathways, with initiatives like dementia-friendly leisure facilities and the promotion of the Barnet Charter for Mental Health. The Board noted the draft FAB Action Plan for 2026-2027, which aims to build on existing foundations and further increase physical activity levels across the borough.

Barnet Food Plan: Action Plan Update

The Board approved the finalisation and delivery of the Barnet Food Action Plan for 2026-2028. This refreshed plan builds on the 2022-2027 framework, aiming to create a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable food environment. Key themes include ensuring equitable access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food, creating healthier local food environments, and reducing the environmental impact of the food system. The plan has been co-produced with over 40 stakeholders and extends the delivery period to March 2028 to allow for realistic timelines and evaluation. Specific actions include improving school food standards, promoting the Healthy Start scheme, supporting income maximisation for financial resilience, and reducing food waste. The plan also aims to integrate food growing into planning and development, and to strengthen community food growing capacity. The Board will receive regular progress reporting to ensure continued oversight and accountability.

Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy Implementation Plan Update

The Board received an update on the implementation of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2035. The report detailed activity and progress against the strategy's actions and indicators. While many indicators are reported annually and will be presented at a later meeting, the report highlighted progress on various fronts, including efforts to address health inequalities and reverse the trend of stalled life expectancy. The Board noted the importance of this work in tackling obesity and promoting healthy eating. The report also touched upon the emerging Neighbourhood Health Framework, which aims to shift care from acute settings to communities and focus on prevention.

Forward Work Programme

The Board noted the Forward Work Programme, which outlines upcoming agenda items for future meetings. A deep dive into the Fit and Active Barnet Framework and Action Plan is scheduled for the next meeting, along with a bi-annual performance report on the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy and an update on the Barnet Food Plan.

Public Question

Mr. Bob Bevel submitted a public question regarding the London Living Wage and its accreditation among employers in Barnet. He highlighted the need for greater movement from NHS partners, specifically the Royal Free Trust, to embed the living wage as a cultural mindset within the borough. Councillor Alison Moore, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, acknowledged the aspiration but noted that NHS employment is based on the Agenda for Change framework and that the Board is not the direct decision-making body for NHS pay. However, she affirmed the council's continued aspiration and commitment to encouraging partners to adopt the London Living Wage.