The Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on 16 September 2026 addressed concerns about GP provision in New Barnet and the performance of the community equipment provider. The committee also discussed the reorganisation of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the role of assistive technology in adult social care.

GP Provision in New Barnet

A public question from Mr John Dix highlighted concerns about GP provision in New Barnet, an area experiencing significant housing growth. Vanessa Piper, Deputy Director of Primary Care Contracting for the West and North London ICB, confirmed that while Barnet's GP workforce numbers are comparable to ICB and national averages, some practices exceed the British Medical Association (BMA) standard of one GP per 1,800 patients. She added that workforce data should be considered alongside appointment activity, and Barnet performs well in this regard. Diane McDonald, Deputy Director of Estates Programmes for the ICB, noted ongoing work to plan for future primary care provision in growth areas.

Mr Dix then posed a supplementary question to the committee, asking if councillors could engage with the planning department to ensure conditions are imposed on new developments to include adequate GP facilities, given the identified shortages in specific local areas. The Chair acknowledged the issue and suggested adding it to the Forward Plan, agreeing to speak with the planning department, though acknowledging limited influence. Councillor Caroline Stock noted that a previous Task and Finish Group had recommended this be added to the Forward Plan. Councillor Richard Barnes raised questions about the mechanisms for establishing new GP practices, to which the ICB responded that GP practices are independent contractors and that the establishment or relocation of practices can be complicated by existing leases and ownership arrangements. The committee agreed to add GP access and primary care provision in relation to population growth to the work programme as a separate scrutiny item.

Community Equipment and Technology

An update on the community equipment and technology service was presented, following the liquidation of the previous provider, NRS, in 2025. The new service, 'Provide', established in partnership with seven other London boroughs, has shown improved performance since its implementation. Sam Jacobson, Interim Head of Integrated Care Quality, confirmed that while formal benchmarking data against boroughs outside the partnership is unavailable, Barnet's performance appears positive anecdotally and is consistent with other partner boroughs.

Councillor Caroline Stock raised concerns about the return and recycling of equipment, such as crutches. Jess Baines-Holmes, Director of Integrated Commissioning, explained that crutches are typically supplied by NHS hospitals and fall outside the community equipment contract, but the service itself achieves recycling rates exceeding 70%. Councillor Gill Sargeant sought clarification on waiting times, with Mr Jacobson confirming that same-day and next-day refer to delivery within 24 hours of referral, with provision for urgent same-day deliveries. Councillor Ezra Cohen inquired about the procurement and commissioning arrangements, and the Executive Director of Communities, Adults and Health explained the collaborative process involving eight boroughs, with Camden acting as the lead authority but with all partners engaged in performance monitoring and decision-making.

Integrated Care Board (ICB) Reorganisation and Neighbourhood Health Planning

Councillor Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, provided an update on the ICB's reorganisation into a more strategic body covering West and North London. She noted that helpful updates are available in the papers of the March and July 2026 meetings of the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC). The new ICB will have different representation, with David Pennington, Director of Safeguarding, serving as the dedicated representative for the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Councillor Moore also updated on Neighbourhood Health planning, stating that work is ongoing across the borough and that further updates would be provided in the autumn. The Neighbourhood Health structures aim to enhance and build a range of support, and this will be discussed further at the Health and Wellbeing Board. The September agenda for the Health and Wellbeing Board included a paper on the Better Care Fund Plan, which provides joint funding between the NHS and local authorities for adult social care.

Assistive Technology and Independence

Councillor Charli Thompson raised questions regarding the definition and measurement of independence in the context of assistive technology. She questioned whether success is measured by greater choice and control or by requiring less support, and how the impact on individuals' well-being is assessed when technology replaces human support. Councillor Thompson also noted a previous concern raised at Cabinet about the council being better at measuring outputs than outcomes in adult social care. The Chair stated that due to the lack of advance notice, no immediate answers would be provided, but Councillor Thompson's request for written answers would be considered.

Other Matters

The committee also noted the minutes of the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, received updates on Task and Finish Groups, including the Food Security group, and noted the Cabinet Forward Plan and the committee's own work programmes. The Chair requested that an item on the Annual Equalities Report be listed on the work programme.