The Committee in Common between Cornwall Health and Wellbeing Board and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Partnership met on Tuesday 28 April 2026 to discuss a range of significant health and wellbeing initiatives. Key decisions included endorsing the refresh of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, approving Cornwall's Better Care Fund Plan for 2026-27, and noting the assurance report on health protection arrangements. The committee also received highlight reports from the Life Course Steering Groups and the Integrated Commissioning Partnership Group.

Health and Wellbeing Strategy Evaluation

The Committee endorsed the case for a refreshed Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which will ensure continued alignment with national policy, system priorities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and updated local evidence. The proposed strategic direction includes embedding the Prevent, Reduce, Delay Prevention framework, adopting a Start Well, Live Well, Age Well life-course approach, strengthening neighbourhood-based delivery and localism, and focusing action on areas where outcomes have deteriorated. A Task and Finish Group was approved to oversee the development of the refreshed Strategy. The Committee also agreed that a single Health and Wellbeing and Integrated Care Strategy would be developed, and requested urgent confirmation from the Isles of Scilly Health and Wellbeing Board regarding their commitment to a joint strategy.

Cornwall's Better Care Fund Plan for 2026-27

Cornwall's Better Care Fund Plan for 2026-27 was approved for submission to NHS England. This plan represents over £100 million of funding annually to support services in Cornwall, with a continued emphasis on intermediate care, carers, equipment, and prevention. The plan aligns with the aims of the Neighbourhood agenda, supporting people in their own communities and promoting recovery through intermediate care. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive of Cornwall Council, in consultation with the Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, for the submission of quarterly and end-of-year returns to NHS England relating to the Better Care Fund.

Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly (DCIOS) Health Protection Committee Annual Assurance Report 2024-2025

The Committee was assured that effective health protection arrangements were in place throughout 2024/25 across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The report highlighted strengths in multi-agency outbreak response, robust emergency planning, and strong inclusion health approaches. However, ongoing challenges were noted, including high rates of C. difficile and MRSA, insufficient infection prevention and control capacity in community and care home settings, and lower than target MMR uptake. Priorities for 2025/26 will focus on strengthening preparedness, reducing inequalities, and sustaining improvements across all health protection domains.

Highlight Report from the Life Course Steering Groups and Integrated Commissioning Partnership Group

The Committee received highlight reports from the Life Course Steering Groups and the Integrated Commissioning Partnership Group. The Start Well group reported progress with no issues requiring escalation, including work on Mental Health Support Teams in Schools and improved figures for permanent exclusions and suspensions. The Live Well group noted the publication of the Get CIOS Working Plan and the extension of the WorkWell scheme, alongside the launch of a new Work Well Employer Champions initiative. The Age Well group reported continued progress in developing home-based care, intermediate care, and Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, with further work needed to strengthen governance. The Integrated Commissioning Partnership Group (ICPG) has moved to monthly meetings and is developing the Better Care Fund Plan for 2026-27.