Integrated Care Board (ICB)
Councils are currently integrating health and social care services for children with special needs and considering changes to the role of Integrated Care Boards.
Kingston upon Thames is unifying its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) plans, with an updated SEND Futures Plan scheduled to launch in October 2026, aiming to streamline services. The Schools Forum noted progress on this plan in September 2026. Separately, Hounslow Council's Cabinet approved a new children's home in September 2026, developed in partnership with the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) to provide integrated care for looked-after children with complex needs.
The future role of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), which plan and deliver integrated health and care services, is also under discussion. Proposed reforms in the Health Bill aim to abolish Healthwatch Richmond and transfer its functions to ICBs and local authorities by March 2027, according to Healthwatch Richmond's Chief Officer in July 2026. Barnet Council also reviewed its approach to recovering outstanding debts from NHS ICBs in March 2026.
Key facts
- Kingston upon Thames' updated SEND Futures Plan is scheduled to launch in October 2026. Source
- Hounslow Council's Cabinet approved a new children's home in September 2026, involving the local ICB. Source
- Proposed Health Bill reforms aim to transfer Healthwatch Richmond functions to ICBs by March 2027. Source
- Barnet Council reviewed its approach to recovering outstanding debts from NHS ICBs in March 2026. Source
- NHS debt over 90 days old stood at £8 million in March 2026, reported to Barnet's Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 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.