Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Councils are commissioning new sexual health services and supporting residents affected by HIV, as they address sexually transmitted infections.
In September 2026, Positive East secured £184,000 in benefits and hardship funds for Barking and Dagenham residents affected by HIV, as highlighted at a Health Scrutiny Committee meeting. This funding was obtained through the organisation's advice service, which addresses wider health determinants, with 82% of presenting issues relating to poverty and poor housing.
Redbridge Council's Cabinet approved the direct commissioning of specialist integrated sexual health services to Barts Health NHS Trust and BHRUT in January 2026. This decision aims to continue service transformation, following successful delivery since 2017 despite rising STI rates. Lewisham Council also decided to procure new sexual health services, both in primary care and online, in October 2025.
Key facts
- Positive East secured £184,000 in benefits and hardship funds for Barking and Dagenham residents in the last financial year. Source
- Redbridge Council's Cabinet approved direct commissioning of specialist integrated sexual health services in January 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council decided to procure new sexual health services in primary care and online in October 2025. Source
- Redbridge noted a 40% increase in Long-Acting Reversible Contraception provision since 2017. Source
- 82% of issues presenting at Positive East relate to poverty and poor housing. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. 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 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.