The Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 27 May 2026 to discuss a range of public health matters, including childhood immunisations, sexual health services, and the outcomes of a local area inspection for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). The committee also reviewed changes to NHS structures and the implications for local health partnerships.

Childhood Immunisations in the City of London

A report was scheduled to be presented on childhood immunisation coverage in the City of London. The report highlighted a national decline in immunisation rates, with London's coverage being significantly lower than the national average and below the 95% herd immunity target, posing a risk for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles. While the City of London's 12-month child vaccination coverage was noted as being higher than the London and national averages, 24-month coverage was lower. Key challenges identified included the aggregation of immunisation data at a City and Hackney level, stalled progress on a dedicated immunisation dashboard, and the loss of key clinical leadership roles within the NHS North East London Integrated Care Board (ICB) due to organisational restructuring and cost-saving measures. Despite these challenges, progress against the City and Hackney Immunisation Strategic Action Plan was ongoing, with over 50% of objectives achieved. The report recommended that members note its contents.

Sexual Health Services

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the closure of the satellite sexual health clinic at 80 Leadenhall Street, which occurred on 17 October 2025. The closure was requested by the provider, The Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, due to increased cost pressures, reduced activity, and patient visits since the COVID-19 pandemic. The report detailed how services have continued from the Neaman Practice and other Homerton clinics, with signposting to online services like SHL.uk and neighbouring clinics ensuring continued access for residents and workers. Data presented indicated a redistribution of activity following the closure, with some increases noted at alternative Homerton clinics. The report recommended that members note its contents.

SEND Local Area Inspection Outcome

A report was scheduled to summarise the findings of a joint inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) into the City of London's local area arrangements for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). The inspection, which took place from 29 September to 3 October 2025, evaluated how effectively the City of London local area carries out its statutory duties. The City of London received Outcome 1, the most favourable result, indicating that SEND arrangements typically lead to positive experiences and outcomes, with the partnership taking action where improvements are needed. Strengths identified included strong leadership, collaboration between education, health, and social care, timely identification of needs, and effective Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans. Areas for development included improving communication with parents regarding decision-making processes and the local offer, and ensuring routine access to interpreters for health services. The report recommended that members note its contents.

NHS 10 Year Plan - ICB New Structures

The committee was scheduled to receive a report on the changes to the Health and Care Partnership in City and Hackney, focusing on the new structures of the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB). The report explained that due to national directives to reduce ICB operating costs by 50%, commissioning functions have been centralised, meaning place-based partnerships no longer hold direct responsibility for commissioning health services. Instead, places will focus on delivery and developing Neighbourhood Health Plans. The report highlighted challenges arising from the reduced capacity and loss of institutional knowledge within the ICB team, as well as a significant reduction in clinical input and leadership. However, it also presented opportunities to re-form the partnership structure to be more embedded in the place, with stronger links to Health and Wellbeing Boards and the potential for local NHS providers to secure an Integrated Health Organisation (IHO) contract, giving the City of London Corporation a significant voice in local NHS budget allocation. The report recommended that members note its contents.

Other Scheduled Business

The meeting also included items for information and decision, such as receiving the Order of the Court from the 23 April 2026 meeting, electing a Chair and Deputy Chair, and agreeing the public minutes of the previous meeting held on 29 October 2025. Members were also scheduled to note the Forward Plan and had an opportunity to ask questions on matters relating to the work of the committee. The agenda indicated that the public would be excluded for Part 2 of the meeting to discuss non-public reports.