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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 5

  1. Enfield Council to Improve Access to GPs and Pharmacies as Part of Fairer Enfield Policy Enfield residents can expect improved access to GPs and pharmacies as part of the council's ongoing efforts to tackle health inequalities under the Fairer Enfield policy. The... Enfield 10 October 2025
  2. Redbridge Substance Use Services Under-Represent Women and Asians, Health Needs Assessment Finds A recent Substance Use Health Needs Assessment (HNA) in Redbridge has revealed that women, younger adults and people of Asian ethnic backgrounds are under-represented in local... Redbridge 19 September 2025
  3. Greenwich explores high ED use in young children Greenwich health officials are examining why young children are attending emergency departments at high rates, with a particular focus on those under the age of one. The... Greenwich 13 September 2025
  4. Enfield Equalities Board Prioritizes 2025/26 Work Programme The Enfield Equalities Board convened on Monday, July 21, 2025, to prioritise its work programme for the upcoming year, focusing on key areas outlined in its terms of reference.... Enfield 25 July 2025
  5. Enfield Board Reviews Domestic Abuse, Health Inequality Efforts Enfield's Equalities Board convened on Monday, July 21, 2025, to address critical issues including domestic abuse, health inequalities, and the council's ongoing efforts to... Enfield 25 July 2025
  6. Greenwich to Develop New Vision for Health and Adult Social Care, Focus on Reducing Inequalities and Improving Services Greenwich is set to develop a refreshed vision for Health and Adult Social Care from 2025-2030, aiming to better showcase the voices of those receiving support and demonstrate... Greenwich 21 July 2025
  7. Waltham Forest Council to Target Grants to BAME-Led Groups for Long-Term Condition Management Waltham Forest Council is set to launch a targeted grants programme aimed at supporting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME)-led organisations. The initiative will focus on... Waltham Forest 20 July 2025
  8. Waltham Forest Council to Engage Romanian Community on Health Waltham Forest Council is intensifying its efforts to address health inequalities within its Romanian community, following a significant increase in Romanian-speaking residents... Waltham Forest 20 July 2025