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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 3

  1. Barnet Health Board Tackles Stalled Life Expectancy and Health Inequalities with 'Fit and Active Barnet' and Food Plan Barnet's Health and Wellbeing Board has convened to address the concerning trend of stalled life expectancy and healthy life expectancy and persistent health inequalities across... Barnet 22 March 2026
  2. Bexley Council Intensifies Efforts to Reduce Health Inequalities in North Bexley with New Wellbeing Coaches Bexley Council is intensifying its efforts to address health inequalities in the northern part of the borough, with a particular focus on improving cancer screening rates and... Bexley 20 March 2026
  3. Citizens Advice Haringey contract extended for two years, securing vital resident support Haringey Council has approved a two-year contract extension for the Haringey Citizens Advice Bureaux's Information, Advice and Guidance Service, ensuring the continuation of... Haringey 20 March 2026
  4. Redbridge council sets housing priorities for next year Redbridge Council's Homes and Neighbourhoods Policy Development Committee has outlined its priorities for the upcoming year, focusing on improving health and well-being through... Redbridge 19 March 2026
  5. Director of Public Health urges 'Health in All Policies' approach Croydon's Director of Public Health, Ruth Hutchinson, is urging a Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach to decision-making across the borough, emphasizing that health outcomes... Croydon 19 March 2026
  6. New strategies to boost infant feeding and parental mental health New strategies aimed at enhancing infant feeding practices and bolstering parental mental health have been endorsed by the Croydon Health and Wellbeing Board. The board met on... Croydon 19 March 2026
  7. Islington's healthy weight programme aims for 'healthiest option' Islington Council is launching a comprehensive healthy weight programme, aiming to make healthier choices the easiest option for residents. The initiative, presented to the... Islington 19 March 2026
  8. Carers Charter refreshed for next decade Carers Charter refreshed for the next decade Barking and Dagenham 19 March 2026