The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Monday 17 February 2014 to discuss the draft Housing Strategy, the Better Care Fund, and the Redbridge Child Development Overview Panel's annual report. The Board also considered the NHS planning timetable and outcomes from a prevention and early intervention planning session, ultimately agreeing to support a bid by GPs to the Prime Minister's Challenge Fund.

Housing Strategy 2014-19

The Board reviewed the draft five-year Housing Strategy for Redbridge, which aims to deliver more homes, make the best use of existing stock, improve health and wellbeing, and ensure effective services. The strategy, which has been developed following a long-term review of housing in the borough, acknowledges the need to adapt to changes in the housing market and the impact of welfare reform. It also seeks to align with other council strategies, such as the Core Strategy review and the Homelessness strategy, and recognises the crucial link between suitable housing and resident health. A 12-week public consultation on the strategy began in January, with a further review scheduled for Cabinet in April 2014. Members discussed the challenges in improving health and wellbeing through housing initiatives and emphasised the importance of public input and central government funding. The Board noted the report and thanked the Housing Officer for their presentation.

Better Care Fund Update

An update was provided on the development of the two-year operational plans for the Better Care Fund (BCF), formerly known as the Health and Social Care Integration Transformation Fund. For 2014/15, the council's allocation from the BCF is £5.115 million, paid directly from NHS England. For 2015/16, the provisional allocation for Redbridge, covering both the council and the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), is £16.032 million in revenue and £1.517 million in capital funding. The Board was asked to delegate approval of the final BCF plan to the Director of Adult Social Services and Housing and the Chief Operating Officer for the CCG, in consultation with the Chairs of the Health and Wellbeing Board and Redbridge CCG, due to the submission deadline of 4 April 2014. Discussions highlighted that the BCF plan is still in draft form, with a working group of officers from the CCG, public health, and adult social care having prepared it. It was clarified that the fund comprises both new and existing budget monies, and the importance of maximising resources through partnerships was stressed. The Board agreed to the submission of the BCF plan to NHS England, recommended the establishment of a s75 NHS Act 2006 partnership arrangement for pooled BCF monies from 2015/16 onwards, and agreed that any changes to the final BCF templates would be presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Redbridge Child Development Overview Panel (CDOP) Annual Report 2012/13

The Board received the annual report of the Redbridge Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP), which analyses child deaths in the borough and summarises cases reviewed between 1 April 2012 and 31 March 2013. The report also includes comparisons with previous years and identifies emerging themes, lessons learned, and recommendations for service improvements. Members expressed satisfaction with the report and welcomed the proposed actions to reduce child deaths, urging the CDOP to disseminate information widely through various channels, including the council website, voluntary organisations, community groups, and antenatal clinics. Concerns were raised about ensuring that actions addressing consanguinity¹ reached hard-to-reach groups, with assurances given that phased approaches were being implemented. The Board noted the report and the comments made by Members.

NHS Planning Timetable 2014/15

A report outlining the NHS planning submission requirements for 2014/15 was presented, detailing the need for a balanced financial plan, a two-year Operating Plan at CCG level, and a five-year Strategic Plan at a system-wide level for Barking, Havering, and Redbridge. The report included the timetable for plan submissions. A verbal update was provided by the CCG representative, along with a supplementary document containing the first submission of the Operating Plan. The CCG proposed appropriate pathways for care of frail people as an additional local measure to be included in the Operating Plan and reflected in the BCF. Members were encouraged to review the Operating Plan and submit comments. The Director of Adult Social Services welcomed the plan for its partnership working and alignment with local authority plans. The Board noted the report and the comments made by members.

Outcomes from the Prevention and Early Intervention Planning Session

The Board reviewed recommendations from a strategic workshop session held on 18 November 2013, focusing on prevention and early intervention. The key proposed recommendations were to improve the detection of irregular heartbeats in primary care to reduce strokes and to manage long-term conditions to avoid hospital admissions. The report, presented by the Deputy Director of Public Health and Dr Mehul Mathukia of Redbridge CCG, clarified that while anyone could experience pulse issues, the focus for irregular heartbeat detection would be on individuals over 65, supported by evidence. The Board noted the report and the comments made by Members.

Support for GP Bid to Prime Minister's Challenge Fund

The Board was asked to support a bid by GPs to the Prime Minister's Challenge Fund, aimed at piloting improvements in GP access and stimulating innovative primary care services. The Chair of the CCG explained that the funding would be used to enhance patient access and provide additional services for vulnerable patients, thereby reducing pressure on emergency services. Members suggested greater use of technological advances, such as online appointment booking, which was confirmed to be part of the proposals. Assurances were given regarding patient involvement in developing the bid and plans for further consultation on how any received funds would be used. The Board agreed to support the bid and authorised the Director of Adult Social Services and Housing to send a supporting letter to the Secretary of State for Health on behalf of the Board.

Work Programme

A report outlining the process for developing the Board's work programme for 2014/15 was presented, detailing how items are added and how the programme forms the basis of meeting agendas. Key work streams, including Commissioning Plans from the CCG, Adult Social Services, Public Health, and the Better Care Fund, were noted. Proposed meeting dates for 2014/15 were listed, with two additional dates added in anticipation of increased workload. The Director of Children's Services highlighted the limited focus on children within the HWB programme, and assurances were given that this would be addressed by the steering group. The Board noted the report, comments, and explanations provided.

Dates of Future Meetings

The proposed dates for Health and Wellbeing Board meetings in the next municipal year were noted, subject to agreement by the Redbridge Council on 20 March 2014.