Issue

Health Inequalities

41 stories · discussed at 40 council meetings · 26 councils

Councils are currently focusing on integrated neighbourhood health models and addressing specific public health concerns to reduce health inequalities.

Barnet Council's Planning Committee refused an adult gaming centre in October 2026 due to public health concerns related to gambling harm, despite officer recommendations. In September 2026, Ealing Council began implementing a Neighbourhood Health Model to provide integrated, preventative care, and Kensington and Chelsea's Fairer Action Plan reported persistent health inequalities.

Several councils are developing integrated health services, with Brent Council approving a £57 million Better Care Fund in July 2026 to integrate health and social care. Southwark launched integrated health teams in July 2026, and Newham Council is implementing a neighbourhood health approach to tackle inequalities, discussed in June 2026. Bexley Council is also deploying new Community Health & Wellbeing Coaches in North Bexley, funded by £177,153 from the Health Inequalities Fund in March 2026.

Health inequalities, defined as avoidable and unfair differences in health outcomes between population groups, are a focus for councils. Hackney's Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on 22 October 2026, with this topic on its agenda.

Key facts

  1. Barnet Council's Planning Committee refused an adult gaming centre in October 2026 due to public health concerns. Source
  2. Kensington and Chelsea's Fairer Action Plan reported persistent health inequalities in September 2026. Source
  3. Ealing Council is implementing a Neighbourhood Health Model to tackle health inequalities, discussed in September 2026. Source
  4. Brent Council approved a £57 million Better Care Fund agreement for 2026-27 in July 2026. Source
  5. Bexley Council allocated £177,153 from the Health Inequalities Fund for new Community Health & Wellbeing Coaches in March 2026. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 2

  1. Council's Prevention Framework endorsed for continued use RICHMOND UPON THAMES – The Richmond upon Thames Health and Wellbeing Board has formally endorsed the continued use of its Prevention Framework, a strategy established in 2021 to... Richmond upon Thames 17 July 2026
  2. Newham's neighbourhood health approach to tackle inequalities Newham Council is implementing a comprehensive neighbourhood health approach to tackle health inequalities across the borough, with a focus on prevention and bringing care... Newham 30 June 2026
  3. Islington Council Scrutiny Committee Approves Healthy Life Expectancy Report with Ten Recommendations Islington Council's Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee has approved a comprehensive report on improving healthy life expectancy across the borough,... Islington 24 April 2026
  4. Tower Hamlets council approves £609m housing improvement plan Tower Hamlets Council has approved a £609 million, 10-year plan to significantly improve its housing stock, aiming to bring all council homes up to the Decent Homes Standard by... Tower Hamlets 27 March 2026
  5. EDI report highlights 'No Place For Hate' campaign Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet has reviewed the Annual Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Report for 2024-2025, detailing significant strides in tackling inequality and... Tower Hamlets 26 March 2026
  6. Barnet Council Pushes NHS Partners to Adopt London Living Wage Barnet Council is urging its NHS partners to adopt the London Living Wage as part of a broader strategy to improve the financial well-being of residents and tackle health... Barnet 22 March 2026
  7. Fit & Active Barnet: Over 58,000 sign-ups, new action plan targets expansion Barnet's 'Fit & Active Barnet' (FAB) initiative has seen a significant surge in participation, with over 58,000 residents now signed up for its FAB Card. The program, which aims... Barnet 22 March 2026
  8. Barnet Health Board Tackles Stalled Life Expectancy and Health Inequalities with 'Fit and Active Barnet' and Food Plan Barnet's Health and Wellbeing Board has convened to address the concerning trend of stalled life expectancy and healthy life expectancy and persistent health inequalities across... Barnet 22 March 2026