Sutton Council is in a funding disagreement with the South West London Integrated Care Board (ICB) regarding the 2025/26 Better Care Fund (BCF) plan. The council and SWL ICB aim to resolve the funding dispute by the end of Q2 September 2025. The process involves an independently supported review of the composition and categorisations used for the schemes that count towards the Social Care Minimum Contribution.
The disagreement was discussed during a Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on Monday, 7 July 2025, where the board reviewed the BCF plan and other health strategies for the borough. The dispute centres on the level of funding provided in the plan, specifically concerning the classification of spending and whether the NHS minimum contribution to social care is being met.
Sutton's 2025/26 BCF Budget is £25.8 million. The report mentions that in 2024/25, Sutton's funding was £25,117,268. The 2025/26 budget includes the consolidation of the discharge fund into the main BCF.
Despite the disagreement, both the council and the ICB have committed to working together to resolve the issue. Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the Council, chaired the meeting, and members noted the report, acknowledging the potential opportunities and threats to local partnership working. The report on changes to the Integrated Care Board noted 'the potential opportunities and threats to local partnership working'. These include:
Opportunities:
- Joint working with ICB as strategic commissioners around population health management and integrating public health approaches
- Place Leadership and Neighbourhood Health and Care delivery
- Commissioning Place/neighbourhood level integrated care
- Effective system leadership and strategic partnership working
Potential Threats:
- Details of delivery are still to come and there will be challenges in maintaining close working arrangements in place.
Laura Caton, Health and Care Integration Program Lead, presented an update on the BCF, noting that the total budget for Sutton is £25.8 million. The BCF supports various initiatives aimed at helping residents maintain their independence and overall well-being. These include:
- Technology-enabled care
- Community equipment
- START reablement service
Councillor Marian James, Chair of the People Committee, congratulated Ms Caton on the report and highlighted the equalities impact assessment, particularly the inclusion of care experience.
Michelle Rahman, Director of Transformation, Sutton Place, SWL ICS, assured the board that the ICB is on track to resolve the dispute. She also emphasised the strength of the Sutton partnership, stating that disagreements are not uncommon but are always worked through collaboratively.
Councillor Simon Breeze asked about falls, given that it has been a persistent challenge in Sutton. Sandra Howard, Director, Adult Social Care and Safeguarding, responded that there are various things that need to be done, including ensuring people get occupational therapy aids and support in their home.
The board agreed to the recommendations to agree Sutton's 2025/26 BCF Plan, note the submission of Sutton's 2024/25 BCF end of year return, and note that the council and South West London ICB are in formal dispute regarding the level of funding provided in the 2025/26 BCF Plan and the process to resolve it.