Health inequalities
Councils are focusing on neighbourhood health models and strategic plans to address persistent health inequalities across boroughs.
Ealing Council is implementing a new Neighbourhood Health Model to tackle health inequalities and deliver services closer to home, as discussed in September 2026. In the same month, Greenwich's Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel received updates on integrated neighbourhood teams, and Tower Hamlets' Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to discuss developing a Neighbourhood Health Strategy. Brent's Health and Wellbeing Board also discussed proposed changes to its NHS neighbourhood health geographies in September 2026.
Kensington and Chelsea's Fairer Action Plan, which aims to address fairness and inclusion, has completed 7.5 of 18 actions in its first year, though significant inequalities persist, a September 2026 report stated. Brent Council's Cabinet approved a £57 million Better Care Fund agreement for 2026-27 in July 2026 to integrate health and social care services and reduce health inequalities. Barnet Council is also urging its NHS partners to adopt the London Living Wage to improve financial well-being and tackle health inequalities.
Health inequalities are differences in health outcomes between different groups of people. Looking ahead, Ealing is set to benefit from a new children's therapy centre and enhanced mental health hubs, with refurbishment and opening planned for the 2026/27 period. Brent's Health and Wellbeing Board agreed to adopt a new approach to its NHS neighbourhood health geographies in September 2026, while Tower Hamlets' Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to discuss developing a Neighbourhood Health Strategy in the same month.
Key facts
- Kensington and Chelsea's Fairer Action Plan has completed 7.5 of 18 actions in its first year. Source
- Lewisham's Heather Close Community Mental Health Centre pilot saw a 43% decrease in mental health crisis A&E attendances between April and August 2026. Source
- Brent Council's Cabinet approved a £57 million Better Care Fund agreement for the 2026-27 financial year in July 2026. Source
- The North Bexley Local Care Network was allocated £177,153 for a two-year project to reduce health inequalities. Source
- Barnet Council aims to be accredited as a London Living Wage employer by May 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.