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 5

  1. Redbridge Substance Use Services Under-Represent Women and Asians, Health Needs Assessment Finds A recent Substance Use Health Needs Assessment (HNA) in Redbridge has revealed that women, younger adults and people of Asian ethnic backgrounds are under-represented in local... Redbridge 19 September 2025
  2. Greenwich explores high ED use in young children Greenwich health officials are examining why young children are attending emergency departments at high rates, with a particular focus on those under the age of one. The... Greenwich 13 September 2025
  3. Enfield Equalities Board Prioritizes 2025/26 Work Programme The Enfield Equalities Board convened on Monday, July 21, 2025, to prioritise its work programme for the upcoming year, focusing on key areas outlined in its terms of reference.... Enfield 25 July 2025
  4. Enfield Board Reviews Domestic Abuse, Health Inequality Efforts Enfield's Equalities Board convened on Monday, July 21, 2025, to address critical issues including domestic abuse, health inequalities, and the council's ongoing efforts to... Enfield 25 July 2025
  5. Greenwich to Develop New Vision for Health and Adult Social Care, Focus on Reducing Inequalities and Improving Services Greenwich is set to develop a refreshed vision for Health and Adult Social Care from 2025-2030, aiming to better showcase the voices of those receiving support and demonstrate... Greenwich 21 July 2025
  6. Waltham Forest Council to Target Grants to BAME-Led Groups for Long-Term Condition Management Waltham Forest Council is set to launch a targeted grants programme aimed at supporting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME)-led organisations. The initiative will focus on... Waltham Forest 20 July 2025
  7. Waltham Forest Council to Engage Romanian Community on Health Waltham Forest Council is intensifying its efforts to address health inequalities within its Romanian community, following a significant increase in Romanian-speaking residents... Waltham Forest 20 July 2025
  8. Lewisham Council to Tackle Health Inequalities with New Health and Wellbeing Strategy Lewisham Council is set to implement a new Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2025-2030, aimed at tackling health inequalities across the borough. The strategy builds upon the... Lewisham 20 July 2025