The Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on Monday 15 June 2026. The agenda includes a discussion on the Better Care Fund Plan for 2026-27 and the Board's Terms of Reference for the upcoming year. The meeting will also cover an update on the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment.

Better Care Fund Plan 2026-27

A significant portion of the meeting is expected to focus on the Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for 2026-27. This plan outlines how funding will be used to deliver integrated and preventative care, with a particular emphasis on neighbourhood health and social care services. The report details how the BCF will support the achievement of key goals, including reducing non-elective admissions for individuals aged 65 and over, and improving outcomes from reablement services. It also addresses the prevention of avoidable long-term care home admissions and the management of delayed discharges from hospital. The plan highlights the BCF's role in supporting specific population groups, such as older residents, those with frailty, and individuals experiencing significant inequalities, aligning with the borough's Core20PLUS5 approach.

The report accompanying this agenda item details the financial contributions to the BCF, including the NHS minimum contribution, Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), and Local Authority Better Care Grant (LABCG), alongside additional contributions from both the NHS and the local authority. It outlines the planned expenditure across various schemes, categorised by their primary purpose, such as home-based intermediate care, assistive technologies, housing-related schemes, and support for carers. The plan also details the governance framework for managing BCF expenditure, assessing its impact and value for money, and driving continuous improvement. This includes the roles of the Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board and the Tower Hamlets Together Partnership Board in providing strategic oversight and operational assurance.

Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board Terms of Reference 2026-27

The Board is scheduled to review and potentially agree its Terms of Reference, Quorum, Membership, and Dates of Meetings for the 2026-27 Municipal Year. These terms, established under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, define the Board's role in promoting integration and partnership between NHS, public health, and local government bodies. The aim is to steer and lead initiatives that improve the health and wellbeing of Tower Hamlets residents by fostering joint work across services and organisations, and promoting greater integration of health and social care. The proposed terms outline the Board's functions, which include leading health and wellbeing improvements, identifying needs and priorities, preparing and overseeing the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and providing oversight and accountability for partnerships like Tower Hamlets Together.

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment Update

An update on the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) is also scheduled for discussion. The PNA is a statutory responsibility of the Health and Wellbeing Board, requiring publication every three years. The current assessment, commissioned in January 2026, is being updated by Public Health Action Support Team (PHAST). A draft PNA is expected to be made available for a 60-day public consultation in July 2026, with support provided to residents to engage in this process. The final report is expected to be presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board in September 2026 for endorsement.