The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 19 March 2026 to discuss the Fit and Active Barnet Framework and Action Plan, the Barnet Food Plan, and the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy Implementation Plan. Key decisions included noting progress on the Fit and Active Barnet initiative and approving the Barnet Food Action Plan for 2026-2028.

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 borough through its People, Place and Partnerships pillars. Since April 2025, the FAB Partnership has seen over 58,000 residents register for a FAB Card, a 14% increase from the previous year. The report highlighted achievements such as enhanced benefits for carers, successful community engagement campaigns, and the delivery of various participation-focused interventions. BETTER, the borough's leisure operator, reported over 1.2 million leisure centre visits and successful completion rates for its Healthwise Programme. The Barnet Partnership for School Sport (BPSS) also reported significant engagement from schools and young people in various sporting events. The Board noted the draft FAB Action Plan for 2026-2027, which aims to build on these successes by expanding opportunities and enhancing the accessibility of active environments.

Barnet Food Plan: Action Plan Update

The Board was presented with the refreshed Barnet Food Action Plan for 2026-2028, which builds upon the 2022-2027 plan with a renewed focus on creating a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable food environment. The plan is structured around three pillars: Healthy People, Healthy Places, and Healthy Planet. Key actions include improving school food contracts, increasing Healthy Start uptake, delivering a Money Worries campaign to promote income maximisation, and working towards Barnet Council becoming an accredited London Living Wage employer. The plan also aims to enhance community food growing, reduce food waste through recycling and circular economy initiatives, and integrate sustainability into food procurement. The Board approved the finalisation and delivery of this action plan and agreed to receive regular progress reports.

Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy Implementation Plan Update

The Board received the first report on the implementation of the new Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which was agreed the previous year. The report detailed activity information against the strategy's actions and highlighted key performance indicators (KPIs). While acknowledging that some data reporting would follow in a later meeting, the Board noted the progress made and discussed trends, including the concerning drift in life expectancy and healthy life expectancy across the borough. The importance of addressing health inequalities and the role of neighbourhood-based approaches were emphasised. The Board agreed to note the progress on the implementation plan and KPIs, and to review further updates in the summer.

Public Question on the London Living Wage

Mr. Bob Bevel submitted a public question regarding the adoption of the London Living Wage across the borough, particularly from NHS partners. While acknowledging the progress made by Barnet Council, Mr. Bevel expressed a desire for greater movement from the Royal Free Trust and for the living wage to become a more ingrained part of the borough's cultural mindset. Councillor Alison Moore, Chair of the Board, noted that while the Health and Wellbeing Board is not a decision-making body on this matter, the aspiration is shared, and the council will continue to work towards and encourage partners to adopt the London Living Wage.

Forward Work Programme

The Board reviewed and noted the Forward Work Programme, with a suggestion to include an update on the neighbourhood plan in the June meeting, building on recent national guidance.

The meeting concluded with thanks to outgoing members and partners, and a move into a private workshop session.