The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to discuss a range of topics, including neighbourhood health, the Better Care Fund, and the Healthwatch Warwickshire annual report. The meeting will also cover updates on healthy ageing and a review of the Board's governance.

Neighbourhood Health Update

A key item on the agenda is the development of a Warwickshire Neighbourhood Health Plan (NHP). This follows the publication of the Neighbourhood Health Framework by the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, which designates Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBBs) as key leadership bodies for this initiative. The report suggests that the recently approved Warwickshire Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-31 should serve as the strategic foundation for the NHP. This approach aims to retain agreed priorities while translating them into neighbourhood-level delivery plans. The report highlights that the Health Bill proposes significant reforms, potentially shifting the statutory duty of HWBBs from developing Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategies to developing and publishing NHPs.

Health Justice Partnership

The Board is scheduled to receive a verbal update and presentation regarding the Health Justice Partnership. This session will include input from Emma Bates of the Central England Law Centre.

Healthy Ageing Joint Strategic Needs Assessment & JSNA Work Programme Update

This agenda item will provide an update on the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) work programme, with a specific focus on the Healthy Ageing JSNA. The report recommends that the Board notes the updates and approves the publication of the Healthy Ageing JSNA, and agrees to use it in all decision-making processes. It also encourages member organisations to do the same and contribute to a JSNA Impact form. The Healthy Ageing JSNA is described as an interactive report analysing the health needs of those aged 65 and over, built around principles of being live, editorial, and iterative.

Better Care Fund Update and Preparation for Planned Reform

The Board will consider potential risks, issues, and opportunities arising from the planned reform of the Better Care Fund (BCF), which is expected to take effect from April 2027. The report notes that no new information has been published by the Midlands Urgent and Emergency Care Team or the Department of Health and Social Care regarding these reforms. The agenda item also includes an update on the latest performance against the national BCF metrics, which focus on reducing avoidable emergency admissions, hospital discharge delays, and admissions to residential and care homes for older people. The financial implications of the BCF are also detailed, including pooled contributions and aligned allocations for 2026/27.

Health and Wellbeing Board Governance Review

This item concerns a review of the Health and Wellbeing Board's governance arrangements, with the last formal review having taken place in 2015. The review, supported by the Local Government Association, identified opportunities to simplify the supporting governance structure, reduce duplication, and strengthen links with Place Partnerships. Proposed changes include standing down the HWBB Executive Group and the Children and Young People Partnership, and updating Board membership to include key officers and representatives from partner organisations. The Board is asked to note and comment on the findings and is to consider recommending approval of amendments to the Council's Constitution.

Summary of Health and Wellbeing Board Development Session (July 2026)

The Board is set to receive a summary of a development session held in July 2026, which focused on children and young people's mental health and wellbeing. The session explored the impact of wider determinants of health on mental wellbeing across childhood and adolescence. Key themes emerging from the discussions included galvanising partners around the 0-2 cohort and strengthening resilience and protective factors throughout childhood and adolescence. The recommendations ask the Board to reaffirm this strategic focus and encourage partner organisations to identify relevant officer leads to support practical action.

Healthwatch Warwickshire Annual Report & Update

The Board will receive an update and comment on Healthwatch Warwickshire's Annual Report. The report highlights the organisation's activities over the past year, including its role in gathering public feedback and influencing health and care services. A significant focus of the report is the impact of the proposed Health Bill, which includes the abolition of NHS England and Healthwatch England. In response, Healthwatch Warwickshire has established Transition Panels to discuss future arrangements for patient and public engagement. The report details performance figures, community engagement efforts, and financial information, along with future priorities.