Agenda and minutes

None.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 21 May 2025.

RESOLVED – that the minutes of the meeting held on 21 May 2025 be approved.

None.

To review and approve the Terms of Reference for the Health & Wellbeing Board for the 2025/26 municipal year.

The Mayor & Member Support Officer presented the 2025/2026 municipal year Terms of Reference. Members were advised that at the Annual Council meeting in May 2025, delegated authority had been granted to each Committee to review their Terms of Reference. This delegation ensured the Board can maintain effective governance arrangements that reflected evolving system priorities and statutory responsibilities.

Members heard that as part of the review, the membership of the Board had been updated. The Mayor & Member Support Officer advised that these amendments had been made to strengthen representation and improve the Board's ability to meet quoracy requirements. The Board were informed all changes had been set out in red in Appendix A.

RESOLVED - that the Terms of Reference set out in Appendix A be agreed and reconfirmed for the 2025/2026 municipal year.

To receive the Health & Wellbeing Board Strategy Quarterly Progress Report.

Members received the Quarterly Strategy Progress Report on the Health & Wellbeing Strategy, which was accompanied by a short presentation. The report provided an update against strategic priorities and was aligned with the wider performance framework. Members were advised that the report included case studies and highlighted both progress and ongoing challenges.

The Service Delivery Manager Health Improvement & Preventionsummarised the report, noting strong developments in the last quarter, particularly in relation to underserved groups. Members heard that targeted work had been undertaken to address health inequalities, with new insights emerging from consultation activity. This included a focus on healthy weight, where data had identified higher obesity levels among specific population groups, such as individuals with learning difficulties.

Members were informed that grant funding had been secured to support new initiatives, including the Get Yourself Active project, a training and education programme involving social workers and national partners. The Board welcomed the progress made in co-production with voluntary sector organisations and local residents playing a key role in shaping services. The Live Well and Family Hubs were noted as examples of successful community engagement.

In relation to integration, Members were updated on improved neighbourhood-level working, supported by newly established steering groups. Collaborative efforts with Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust, SaTH and Shropshire Community Hospital Trust were highlighted as positive developments. The Board were advised that the area had been selected by Sport England as one of 53 sites participating in the Place Expansion Programme, a long-term initiative aimed at delivering strategic outcomes over a three to five year period.

Members heard that the resilience of the voluntary sector remained a concern, particularly in relation to long-term funding and capacity. While funding had been built into the Sport England bid, the need to maintain contracts and secure sustainable investment was emphasised. Integration and coordination across services was identified as a further challenge, especially in supporting individuals with multiple complex needs. Members were advised that scaling up preventative work would require additional resources and funding.

The Board noted that while the report celebrated progress and the shift towards care closer to home, there was a need to manage prioritisation and expectations in light of available data, resources and funding. Members were assured that data would continue to inform future work and that existing assets and resources available at local level would continue to be promoted and utilised in new ways. The Director of Public Health highlighted the strong collaborative work that took place between Shropshire Community Health Trust and the neighbourhood teams and suggested that the Board receive an update on the primary care healthy lifestyles offer at a future meeting.

Members noted increasing hospital admissions related to alcohol and drugs and asked about the future direction of integrated working. The Director for Public Health responded that ambitions were high, with strong engagement from Trust and Integrated Care Board (ICB) colleagues, citing the Telford & Wrekin Integrated Place Partnership (TWIPP) Accelerator Group as an example of collaborative leadership. The Board were advised that it was  ...  view the full minutes text for item HWB14

To receive the Health & Wellbeing Strategy Performance Report.

Members received a report from the Insight Manager providing an update on performance against the Health & Wellbeing Strategy priorities. The report was presented as part of the wider Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) update and brought together key performance indicators in a single, consolidated format.

The Board were advised that the report would be developed further, with new data sources, such as GP activity being incorporated at future meetings. It was proposed that the performance report be presented to the Board on a six-monthly basis, allowing for more detailed discussion of updated measures.

Members were informed of several positive trends, including improvements in Year 6 healthy weight and early death rates among individuals with mental health conditions. A decline in self-harm among young people was also noted, alongside an increase in the percentage of cancers diagnosed early. These developments were seen as evidence that targeted work to address inequalities was having a positive impact on overall performance.

Members heard that healthy weight in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and life expectancy remained areas of concern. It was noted that preventative work through TWIPP would be instrumental in addressing these issues.

The Board were advised that smoking prevalence in Telford remained significantly higher than national averages, with the area identified as an outlier. A deep dive into this issue was being undertaken through the Annual Public Health Report, which will be presented to the Board in September. Additional indicators, including those related to opioid use and health checks via Clinical Practice Groups (CPGs), may be included in future reports as required.

During the discussion, Members emphasised the importance of early years support, particularly perinatal and postnatal care, as a key component of prevention. The Board queried the extent to which improvements could be achieved locally, noting that some issues required national-level action. The Director of Public Health acknowledged the complexity of shifting long-term outcomes. She highlighted the comprehensive nature of local plans, which included partnership working and data-driven approaches, but noted that broader cultural and national challenges also needed to be addressed. Regional and national perspectives were being explored to support this work.

RESOLVED – that:

a)    the current position regarding performance against strategy priorities be noted

b)    the use of date to influence delivery of the Health & Wellbeing Strategy, targeting inequalities, and informing development of the Integrated Care Partnership Strategy and Joint Forward Plan be noted.

To receive a presentation provding an update on the work of the Telford & Wrekin Integrated Place Partnership.

Members received a presentation from the Assurance and Integration Programme Manager and Telford and Wrekin Place Lead providing an overview of the work and impact of the Telford & Wrekin Integrated Place Partnership (TWIPP). The presentation included a summary of current programmes, neighbourhood working, and future priorities.

Members were informed that TWIPP became a formal sub-committee of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) in September 2024, reflecting its strategic importance. The partnership brought together a wide range of organisations with a shared focus on improving outcomes, reducing inequalities, and enhancing prevention.

The Board heard that TWIPP had used local intelligence to refine its priorities, which now included supporting general practice, improving mental health and outcomes for children and young people and promoting healthy ageing. A wide range of programmes were being delivered under these themes.

Members were advised that TWIPP has adopted a flexible, person-centred approach to their neighbourhood working. The aim was to wrap the right services around individuals at the right time, supporting early diagnosis, self-care, and social prescribing. Each of the four neighbourhood areas had distinct needs, and the approach had been tailored accordingly.

The Live Well Hubs were highlighted as a key element of neighbourhood working. The hub in Madeley, operated by the Town Council, was cited as a successful example of multi-agency collaboration, with a case study shared during the presentation. Members were informed that professional collaboration was a core component of the neighbourhood model, with regular joint working events attracting strong attendance and positive feedback. It was noted that over 100 professionals attended the most recent event in South East Telford.

In Newport and Central Telford, development of Neighbourhood MDTs was progressing, with TELDOC having operated a model since 2019. A new focus has been agreed for Malinslee, with an emphasis on mental health. Members heard that the Neighbourhood teams were working to better connect services and raise awareness of available support.

Members were updated on the Prevention Grants Programme, which has recently concluded. Funding has been awarded to support initiatives such as the expansion of Live Well Hubs, Calm Cafés and care navigators for autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities. The impact of these grants will be monitored through TWIPP, with updates to be brought to future Board meetings.

The Board were informed that a Health Conversation Campaign had also been introduced, building on the "Making Every Contact Count" approach. This included internal support for frontline workers and a public-facing campaign, with a vaccination focus launching in August. Members were also advised that the Sport England Place Expansion Opportunity would bring additional resources and strategic support to the area.

In relation to healthy ageing and frailty, Members heard that TWIPP was building on the successful Ageing Well consultation. Two key areas of focus were a one-stop advice shop for residents and for advice and resources to be consolidated for professional to access. It was expected that digital solutions and intelligence were to be used to support this work.

The Board welcomed the balanced  ...  view the full minutes text for item HWB16

To receive a verbal update on the Better Care Fund.

Members received a presentation from the Better Care Fund Commissioning Lead, providing an update on the Better Care Fund (BCF) submission and outlining key changes to the programme for the current year. The presentation included a summary of progress to date, national expectations, and future priorities.

The Board were reminded of the upcoming submission deadline and were asked to formally approve the BCF submission. Members were informed that the new national administration had introduced clearer requirements, with a simplified set of metrics and a strengthened governance assurance framework. A particular emphasis had been placed on improving hospital discharge arrangements and making better use of collective resources.

The Better Care Fund Commissioning Lead noted that there had been a strategic shift from sickness to prevention, with a growing focus on the use of digital technology. Members were informed of the introduction of Tech Tuesdays, showcasing innovations such as epilepsy sensors and other tools designed to improve the lives of people with complex conditions. There was a renewed focus on supporting independent living, with performance metrics centred on admission avoidance, hospital discharge, and long-term care.

The Board heard that national guidance now placed greater emphasis on length of hospital stay, with a clear expectation that patients were discharged as soon as they are clinically ready. Due to this, the effectiveness of the enablement offer was being reviewed, including the impact of additional funding for therapists received last year.

Members were advised that the end-of-year return had been completed, with a strong focus on integration. The submitted plan is expected to be approved, subject to conditions relating to performance metrics.

The Board were updated on work with community partners to promote independence, including the role of the Care Transfer Hub in reducing length of stay and improving discharge planning. A review of individual schemes had been undertaken to assess whether funding could be reallocated, though opportunities to do so remain limited.

Members noted their appreciation for the Better Care Fund Commissioning Lead for their ongoing management of the fund, with Members acknowledging the complexity of quarterly returns and the strategic alignment with broader system goals. The Board emphasised the importance of neighbourhood working and the challenges of reallocating resources, while supporting a place-based approach. The Better Care Fund Commissioning Lead noted improved integration, especially from hospitals, with a focus on reducing length of stay and enhancing discharge pathways. Members reflected on the increasingly collaborative nature of the process over recent years, and it was confirmed that NHS England had recognised this positive shift.

RESOLVED – that:

a)    the Better Care Fund Submission be approved

b)    the Health & Wellbeing Board’s support for the progress to date be noted

c)    that delegated authority to approve future submissions be granted to the co-chairs

To receive the draft Housing Strategy proposals.

Members received an update from the Service Delivery Manager: Strategic Housing & Regeneration on the Draft Housing Strategy 2025–2030, which will replace the current strategy as it nears the end of its term. The update outlined key achievements of the previous strategy, including growth in the private rented sector and the success of the Better Homes for All programme, which has enabled inspections to ensure residents are living in safe and satisfactory conditions.

The Board were advised that the new strategy was being scoped by reviewing the current housing landscape and identifying changes since the adoption of the previous strategy. These included a growing population, particularly among older residents, a reduction in social housing availability and a decrease in full poverty levels. Members heard that these factors had significant implications for housing needs and priorities. The Service Delivery Manager: Strategic Housing & Regeneration advised that there were also national policy drivers such as delivery targets for new homes, affordable housing, homelessness prevention and the Renters Reform Bill, which also impacted the strategy.

Members heard that the proposed strategy prioritised ensuring that existing homes were of the highest possible quality and providing housing that supported vulnerable residents. The Service Delivery Manager: Strategic Housing & Regeneration noted that the proposed strategy also recognised that housing was a wider determinant of health.

The Board were informed that a successful consultation event had already taken place, with strong engagement from partners across health, social care, and community services. A key theme emerging from the consultation was the importance of aligning housing with health priorities.

During the discussion Members noted the significance of housing as a social determinant of health and praised the wide-ranging actions across sectors. The Board were advised that proposed strategy was due to be presented to Cabinet and encouraged broad resident engagement. Members supported the focus on vulnerable residents and commended the inclusive engagement process. Questions were raised about specialist accommodation and market shaping, to which the Director: Housing, Employment & Infrastructure responded that while progress had been made, especially in extra care, gaps did remain. She outlined ongoing efforts to improve dementia care, support for young people and care leavers, and collaboration with developers to meet diverse housing needs.

RESOLVED – that the Draft Housing Strategy 2025-2030 as set out in Appendix 1 be supported by the Health & Wellbeing Board.

To receive the Community Safety Partnership Annual Report.

Members received the Community Safety Partnership Annual Report, which provided an overview of progress made over the past 12 months and outlined future priorities. The presentation included key performance data, strategic developments, and partnership initiatives.

The Board were informed that overall crime levels in Telford & Wrekin had reduced significantly, with a notable 40% reduction in robbery and a 19% reduction in vehicle crime. These improvements reflected the effectiveness of collaborative working across agencies.

Members heard that the Community Safety Partnership’s (CSP) new strategy was to be focused on reducing reoffending, preventing serious violence, tackling child sexual exploitation (CSE), reducing domestic abuse (DA) and addressing youth violence and driving offences.

The Chief Inspector provided the Board with an update against some key priority areas. Members heard that the annual report had been published and scrutinised, with input from a CSE Lived Experience Coordinator, and the Holly Project continued to inform learning and practice. The Chief Inspector also advised that a CSE Awareness Week was held to raise awareness and promote action. The Board were informed that the work around Domestic Abuse had focused on older people and individuals with learning disabilities. Partner agencies had received evidence-based strategies, and Clare’s Law applications were being promoted. The funding has supported initiatives such as the Sanctuary Scheme (£1,500 allocation) and White Ribbon Days, which were well received. The CSP continued to promote Safer, Stronger Communities and had supported a range of community-led initiatives. Members were asked to note that whilst there had been a 21% increase in serious youth violence incidents, the evidence suggested that interventions were having a positive impact and partnership working with the Council and other agencies remained central to this effort. Ongoing efforts to improve road safety had included holding regular meetings to address Deaths and Serious Injuries, with a £10,000 Road Safety Fund being allocated to support a 12-month awareness campaign, including workshops for young drivers and passengers.

The Board emphasised the importance of police-resident feedback loops to build trust and noted the Ride-Along Scheme to enhance transparency and encouraged continued partnership working. Members raised concerns about rough sleeping, youth engagement and the need for direct incident reporting. The Chief Inspector acknowledged the enforcement challenges and stressed that there was ongoing work being undertaken with local businesses. 

The Board noted the report and welcomed the progress made by the Community Safety Partnership. Members acknowledged the importance of continued collaboration, community engagement, and targeted interventions to improve safety and wellbeing across the borough.

The Chair advised that the next meeting of the Health & Wellbeing Board would be held on Thursday, 18 September 2025.