Agenda and minutes

The Committee noted the evacuation and housekeeping procedure.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 30 July be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Board received a report providing an update on the Quarter 1 Better Care Fund (BCF) return for 2025/26, which had been submitted to NHS England on 15 August 2025.

The Board was informed that all national Better Care Fund conditions had been met, including financial reporting, performance metrics and assurance requirements. Progress was highlighted in relation to hospital discharge, admissions avoidance, reablement and the continued strengthening of integrated working arrangements between the Council, NHS and wider partners.

Members noted the ongoing pressures across the health and care system, including capacity and workforce challenges. The Board was informed that joint governance and performance monitoring arrangements were in place to maintain oversight of risks and delivery throughout the year.

RESOLVED: That the Quarter 1 Better Care Fund update be noted.

The Board considered the updated SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy and associated Action Plan for the period 2025–2029.

The Board was informed that the Strategy responded to increasing levels of need, rising numbers of Education, Health and Care Plans, pressures on specialist provision and workforce challenges across the system. It was confirmed that the Strategy had been developed in partnership and set out a clear framework for early identification, timely intervention and improved joint working across education, health and social care.

Governance and monitoring arrangements to support delivery of the Strategy were outlined.

RESOLVED: That the SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2029 be approved.

The Board was advised that the statutory review of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) had been completed in accordance with legislative requirements.

The Board was informed that consultation responses had been reviewed and incorporated where appropriate, and that the final document was robust, compliant and ready for publication by 1 October 2025.

Members noted the role of the PNA in informing future commissioning decisions and assessing pharmaceutical service provision across the borough.

RESOLVED:

1.    that completion of the statutory review be noted.

2.    that the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025 be approved for publication.

An update was provided on ongoing Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) work, including emerging population health trends, health inequalities and locality-based analysis.

The Board was informed that JSNA development work was ongoing and that outputs would continue to inform strategy, commissioning and partnership priorities across the health and wellbeing system.

RESOLVED that the JSNA update be noted.

The Board considered the proposed forward plan for future deep-dive sessions aligned to the Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Members were informed that the programme would support shared understanding of priority areas.

RESOLVED that the plan be noted.