The Scrutiny Health & Social Care Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 03 February 2026 to review a range of important reports concerning the health and wellbeing of Croydon residents. Key discussions are expected to focus on the needs of older people, the progress of neighbourhood health initiatives, and updates on the Adults Living Independently transformation programme. The committee will also receive an update from Healthwatch Croydon and review its work programme for the upcoming year.

Older People Needs Assessment

A significant portion of the meeting is scheduled to be dedicated to the findings of the Older People Needs Assessment. This report provides an analysis of the health and care needs of residents aged 65 and over in Croydon, examining demographic trends, health status, social determinants of health, and the lived experiences of this demographic. The assessment aims to inform strategic planning and service commissioning for the borough's older population. It incorporates community voices through focus groups and engagement with voluntary sector organisations, triangulated with local and national data. The report highlights a projected increase in the over-65 population by 25% by 2030, which is expected to create new service demands. It also identifies underlying health inequalities, with significant variations in life expectancy between the most and least deprived areas. The assessment includes 19 recommendations grouped into four themes: commitment to becoming an age-friendly borough, strengthening preventive care and early intervention, enhancing integrated care for complex needs, and addressing social isolation and mental health.

Neighbourhood Health and Care: National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP) and planning for 2026/27

The committee is set to receive an update on Croydon's participation in the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP). This initiative is a key element of the NHS Ten Year Plan and builds upon Croydon's existing approach to joined-up, proactive, and preventative multi-disciplinary team working through Integrated Neighbourhood Teams. The report will outline Croydon's role, progress, and next steps in delivering the NNHIP, including early learning and system-wide implications. It will also cover planning for Neighbourhood Health and Care in 2026/27, referencing national guidance and priorities such as improving access to GP practices, focusing on high-priority cohorts like those with frailty or in care homes, and establishing integrated neighbourhood teams.

Adults Living Independently Transformation Programme and savings update for 2025/26 and 2026/27

An update on the performance of the Adult Social Care and Health Directorate's Adults Living Independently transformation programme is scheduled. This report will provide an overview of progress up to December 2025, including an update against the 2025/26 budget and savings, and proposals for savings in 2026/27. The Adults Living Independently programme is the core model for transformation and savings delivery within the directorate, aiming to support residents to increase their independence, enhance outcomes, and reduce reliance on commissioned care services, thereby achieving financial savings. The report indicates that the programme remains on track to deliver its medium-term financial strategy contribution of £15m of savings between 2024-2030.

Update from Healthwatch Croydon

The committee will receive an update from Healthwatch Croydon, presented by Co-optee Gordon Kay. This update will cover recent reports published by Healthwatch Croydon, focusing on two key areas: Neurodiversity and healthcare access: Croydon patient perspectives and Type 2 Diabetes care among Black Africans and Caribbeans in Croydon – patient experience and resident views. These reports aim to provide insight into the experiences of specific patient groups within Croydon's health and care system.

Scrutiny Work Programme 2025-2026

Finally, the committee will review its draft work programme for the 2025/26 municipal year. Members will have the opportunity to note the programme, consider any proposed changes or additions, and suggest further items for scrutiny. The report highlights that while the Sub-Committee can propose changes, the final decision rests with the Chairs & Vice-Chairs Group following consultation with officers. Members are also invited to consider who they might wish to invite to future meetings to assist in their scrutiny work.