The Health and Wellbeing Board of Wandsworth Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday 25 June 2026 to discuss a range of public health matters. Key topics on the agenda include an update on the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the annual report from the Public Health Board, and planning for the Better Care Fund.

Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy: Live Well Update

The Board is scheduled to receive an update on the Live Well initiative, which forms part of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS). This strategy, developed collaboratively with system partners, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Wandsworth residents by tackling inequalities, empowering communities, and focusing on prevention. The update will cover progress in key areas such as Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, physical activity and healthy eating, smoking cessation, alcohol consumption, and mental health and suicide prevention. The report highlights that the JLHWS takes a life-course approach to address diverse needs and acknowledges the wide range of factors influencing health and wellbeing over time.

Public Health Board Annual Report 2025-2026

The Board is set to review the annual report of the Wandsworth Public Health Board for the 2025-2026 period. This report provides an evidence-based account of the Public Health Board's work, drawing on meeting agendas and discussions. It covers key areas such as population health outcomes and inequalities, prevention across the life course, public health quality assurance, health protection, and partnership working. The report notes that health protection has remained a consistent focus, with standing updates on communicable disease activity, immunisation programmes, and seasonal risks. It also identifies areas requiring further analysis or follow-up, including inequalities, service quality, and data limitations.

Better Care Fund Planning for 2026-27

Planning for the Better Care Fund (BCF) for the 2026-27 period is scheduled for discussion. The BCF is a national programme designed to drive health and social care integration, requiring Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and local government to agree joint plans for pooled budgets. The aim is to support more integrated and preventative care, particularly for individuals with complex health and social care needs, enabling them to remain independent for longer. The report outlines the national funding conditions for 2026-27, which include effectively supporting integrated and preventative care, complying with expenditure and grant conditions, and ensuring effective governance, reporting, and engagement. The Board will be asked to agree the plans for submission to the Better Care Fund Programme.

Better Care Fund End of Year Report 2025-26

An end-of-year report on the Better Care Fund for 2025-26 is also scheduled for review. This report will confirm that the national conditions for the BCF were met during the year and will present progress against key metrics, including the reduction in emergency admissions for those aged 65 and over, the average length of discharge delay for acute adult patients, and the reduction in permanent admissions to residential care. The report details the total BCF spend for 2025-26, noting that it was fully utilised. It highlights successes such as the establishment of the Wandsworth Provider Alliance and joint commissioning efforts for virtual wards and Urgent Community Response services. Challenges identified include the need for improved digital records and data sharing, and increased demand for services like homecare and care home placements exceeding available funding.

Health and Wellbeing Board Seminar held on Neighbourhood Health on 5th March 2026

The Board is to receive a report on the outcomes of a seminar held on 5th March 2026 concerning Neighbourhood Health. This seminar brought together Board members and system partners to agree shared priorities for neighbourhood health and care in Wandsworth. Key priorities identified include a stronger focus on prevention and early support, particularly for older residents, those at risk of frailty or falls, and individuals experiencing isolation or poor mental wellbeing. The seminar also emphasised the need for joined-up services that are easier to access, with better information sharing between professionals, and for services to be planned and delivered at a local level based on community needs. The importance of community and voluntary sector involvement, workforce development, and making the best use of resources were also highlighted. The report notes that work has progressed on clarifying governance structures and that the Wandsworth Provider Alliance is taking a stronger role in co-ordinating services.

Health and Wellbeing Board Work Programme 2026

Finally, the Board is scheduled to review its Work Programme for 2026. This document outlines planned meetings and seminars, including indicative agenda items for future meetings. The programme is a live document and subject to change based on evolving requirements. Future topics anticipated include updates on the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy's Age Well and Midpoint Review elements, neighbourhood health, the Prevention Framework, and reports from the Wandsworth Safeguarding Adults and Children's Boards.

The meeting is scheduled to be held on Thursday 25 June 2026 at 1.00 p.m. in Room 123, The Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street, Wandsworth SW18 2PU. A live webcast of the meeting will be available.