The Health and Wellbeing Board of Bromley Council met on Thursday 17 September 2026 to discuss a range of public health issues, including childhood obesity, sexual health, and preventative health strategies. Key decisions included noting the progress of the Future of Prevention programme and supporting its continued development, and noting the update on childhood obesity in Bromley.

Future of Prevention Programme

The Board received a presentation on the Future of Prevention Programme, which aims to use predictive data analysis to identify residents who might benefit from additional support. The programme's initial focus is on falls prevention, with potential future applications including carer breakdown and homelessness prevention. The programme supports the alignment of Adult Social Care with neighbourhood working and aims to strengthen collaboration between voluntary sector organisations, health, and social care services. Bromley is one of eight local authorities participating in a national community of practice to develop intervention models.

The Board resolved to:

• Note the progress made in developing the Future of Prevention programme and aligning it with neighbourhood working.
• Support the continued development of the falls prevention work as the first Future of Prevention use case in Bromley.
• Support the development of Future of Prevention as a wider prevention capability across health, care, local government, and community partners.
• Note the intention to convene a broader strategic discussion with Council and system partners regarding future prevention opportunities and priorities.

Childhood Obesity Update

An update on childhood obesity in Bromley was presented, highlighting that while obesity rates among Reception-age children had returned to pre-pandemic levels and remained below national averages, rates for Year 6 pupils had not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels but appeared to be stabilising. The evaluation of a child weight management pilot was feeding into the procurement of a new service set to start in April 2027, which will adopt a holistic, whole-family model.

The Board resolved to note the contents of the report.

SEL Sexual Health Commissioning Strategy Update

Board members received a one-year update on the implementation of the five-borough Sexual Health Strategy, which focuses on healthy sexual relationships, reproductive health, reducing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and preventing and supporting people to live with HIV. Progress had focused on prevention, improving access to contraception and testing services, and tackling misinformation. All GP practices in Bromley had signed up to deliver the sexual health element of the Public Health contract. A new Sexual Health Network would be launched, with an initial focus on children and young people.

The Board resolved to note the update.

Matters Outstanding and Work Programme

The Board considered its work programme for 2026/27 and matters arising from previous meetings. It was noted that the Outbreak Management Plan had been finalised and a multi-agency Health Protection Board exercise was scheduled for July. The Board was informed that a formal response had been received from NHS England regarding the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA), confirming that comments relating to the Mottingham Pharmacy were submitted after the PNA had been agreed for publication and therefore could not be considered.

The Board resolved to note the work programme and matters arising from previous meetings.

Questions from the Public

A written question was received from Dermot McKibbin regarding the health implications of the Renters Reform Act 2026 and its impact on reducing health inequalities, as required by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The reply stated that the reforms are primarily a housing security and quality intervention, with potential public health gains through reduced exposure to damp, mould, and cold, reduced fear of eviction, and improved mental wellbeing.

An oral question was received from Dr Priyan Tantrige concerning the promotion of unhealthy lifestyles through advertising and the lack of safe cycling infrastructure for children. The Council stated it had no control over advertising on privately owned land but did use its own advertising panels for positive health messages. It was noted that opportunities to install high-quality cycle routes were limited, but cycle training was provided, and the Borough's school travel plans were highly ranked.

Information Briefing

The Board noted the contents of the Health and Wellbeing Board Information Briefing, which comprised reports on Dementia Support, Bromley's Combating Drugs and Alcohol Partnership, Bromley's Stop Smoking Partnership, and the Joint Commissioning Board.