Log in
Issue

Health Inequalities

42 stories · discussed at 50 council meetings · 26 councils

Councils are reviewing health service links for deprived residents, implementing neighbourhood health models, and addressing public health concerns.

In October 2026, a City of London councillor questioned the borough's health service links with Hackney, suggesting Tower Hamlets could better serve deprived residents in Port Soken Ward. Barnet Council also refused permission for an adult gaming centre due to public health concerns, despite planning officers recommending approval.

Ealing Council is implementing a Neighbourhood Health Model to tackle health inequalities and provide integrated, preventative care closer to home, discussed in September 2026. Kensington and Chelsea's Fairer Action Plan, reviewed in September 2026, showed progress but persistent inequalities in health and employment. Brent Council's Cabinet approved a £57 million Better Care Fund agreement for 2026-27 in July 2026.

The Hackney Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on 22 October 2026. Councils are working to address health inequalities, which are defined as avoidable and unfair differences in health outcomes, access, and experience between different population groups.

Key facts

  1. Barnet Council refused an adult gaming centre in October 2026 due to public health concerns. Source
  2. Ealing Council is implementing a Neighbourhood Health Model to tackle health inequalities, discussed in September 2026. Source
  3. Lewisham's Heather Close Community Mental Health Centre pilot saw a 43% decrease in mental health crisis attendances at A&E between April and August 2026. Source
  4. Brent Council's Cabinet approved a £57 million Better Care Fund agreement for 2026-27 in July 2026. Source
  5. Bexley Council allocated £177,153 to the North Bexley Local Care Network for a two-year project to reduce health inequalities, announced 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 19 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 2

  1. Southwark launches integrated health teams to improve resident well-being and independence Southwark is enhancing its approach to resident well-being through the development of integrated health teams, aiming to provide more accessible and coordinated care. Southwark 24 July 2026
  2. Council's Prevention Framework endorsed for continued use RICHMOND UPON THAMES – The Richmond upon Thames Health and Wellbeing Board has formally endorsed the continued use of its Prevention Framework, a strategy established in 2021 to... Richmond upon Thames 17 July 2026
  3. Newham's neighbourhood health approach to tackle inequalities Newham Council is implementing a comprehensive neighbourhood health approach to tackle health inequalities across the borough, with a focus on prevention and bringing care... Newham 30 June 2026
  4. Islington Council Scrutiny Committee Approves Healthy Life Expectancy Report with Ten Recommendations Islington Council's Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee has approved a comprehensive report on improving healthy life expectancy across the borough,... Islington 24 April 2026
  5. Tower Hamlets council approves £609m housing improvement plan Tower Hamlets Council has approved a £609 million, 10-year plan to significantly improve its housing stock, aiming to bring all council homes up to the Decent Homes Standard by... Tower Hamlets 27 March 2026
  6. EDI report highlights 'No Place For Hate' campaign Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet has reviewed the Annual Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Report for 2024-2025, detailing significant strides in tackling inequality and... Tower Hamlets 26 March 2026
  7. Barnet Council Pushes NHS Partners to Adopt London Living Wage Barnet Council is urging its NHS partners to adopt the London Living Wage as part of a broader strategy to improve the financial well-being of residents and tackle health... Barnet 22 March 2026
  8. Fit & Active Barnet: Over 58,000 sign-ups, new action plan targets expansion Barnet's 'Fit & Active Barnet' (FAB) initiative has seen a significant surge in participation, with over 58,000 residents now signed up for its FAB Card. The program, which aims... Barnet 22 March 2026