NHS England
Councils are currently discussing the financial management of the Better Care Fund and the impact of Integrated Care Board changes on local health services.
Brent Health Board noted a £1.3 million overspend on its Better Care Fund for 2025-26 in August 2026, which the West and North London Integrated Care Board is funding. This follows Bexley Health and Wellbeing Board discussing Better Care Fund returns for 2025-26 and 2026-27 in June 2026. Sutton Council also voiced concerns in September 2025 about national NHS changes, including a 50% reduction in staffing and costs for Integrated Care Boards.
Redbridge Council is implementing a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) improvement plan in March 2026, responding to Ofsted findings of 'systematic failures' in its partnership with the North East London Integrated Care Board. Meanwhile, Kensington and Chelsea's Adult Social Care & Health Select Committee examined the impact of the North West London ICB merger with the North London ICB, set for April 2026, in November 2025.
Other discussions include Richmond upon Thames reporting mixed results on diabetes prevention efforts in March 2026, with 335 referrals to the National Diabetes Prevention Programme in the first half of 2025/26. Harrow Council also planned to bolster vaccination efforts in December 2025 due to low uptake. Health and Wellbeing Boards in Bromley, Lewisham, and Camden are scheduled to discuss public health matters in September 2026.
Key facts
- Brent Health Board noted a £1.3 million overspend on its Better Care Fund for 2025-26 in August 2026. Source
- The West and North London Integrated Care Board is funding Brent's Better Care Fund overspend. Source
- Redbridge Council is implementing a SEND improvement plan in March 2026 following Ofsted findings. Source
- Ofsted found 'widespread and/or systematic failures' in Redbridge's SEND partnership in May 2025. Source
- The North West London ICB is set to merge with the North London ICB on 1 April 2026. 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.