Health and wellbeing
Councils are currently focusing on strengthening health and wellbeing governance, integrating public health into local planning, and addressing health inequalities.
Lewisham's Health and Wellbeing Board agreed to changes in its membership and terms of reference in September 2026, including adding a housing directorate officer, following a July 2026 governance workshop. In the same month, Lambeth Council began seeking public health input for its Local Plan, which is required to promote good health and prevent ill health. Kingston Council decided in June 2026 to re-establish a dedicated Health and Wellbeing Board to enhance public health duties.
Newham Mayor Forhad Hussain outlined a vision for a healthier borough in June 2026, emphasising tackling inequality as a key priority for his administration. In March 2026, Kingston Council prepared to establish a new Steering Group for a 2026/27 Joint Strategic Needs Assessment to guide a Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Waltham Forest's Health & Wellbeing Board also discussed the development of its Joint Strategic Needs Assessment in July 2026.
Wandsworth's Health and Wellbeing Board discussed initiatives to improve health outcomes for adults with learning disabilities in February 2026, as part of its '19 Steps to Health and Wellbeing' strategy. In January 2026, Islington Council's Executive approved the We Are Cally Plan 2025-2028, a community development strategy that includes health and wellbeing as a key theme. Health and wellbeing refers to the overall physical, mental, and social health of individuals and communities.
Key facts
- Lewisham's Health and Wellbeing Board agreed to membership and terms of reference changes in September 2026. Source
- Lambeth Council is seeking public health input to shape its Local Plan, which must promote good health. Source
- Newham Mayor Forhad Hussain outlined a vision for a healthier borough in June 2026, prioritising tackling inequality. Source
- Kingston Council decided to re-establish a dedicated Health and Wellbeing Board in June 2026. Source
- Kingston Council is forming a Steering Group for a 2026/27 Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.