Report Title: Approval to enter into a section 75 Agreement with the NHS North East London ICB to govern the delivery of the Better Care Fund 2026-2027

Presented by: Councillor Graham Day (Cabinet Member for Adults and Health)

Cabinet:

1.    Agreed to enter into a section 75 agreement with NHS North East London ICB, on the terms and conditions outlined in this report, to govern the delivery of the approved Better Care Fund Plan for Havering for the period 2026/2027.

2.    Delegated authority to approve the final terms of the proposed section 75 agreement to the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health and the Strategic Director of People.

3.    Delegated the function of monitoring the implementation and operation of the Better Care Fund and s75 Agreement to the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health.

4.    Delegated authority for all necessary decisions with respect to the implementation and operation of all matters relating to the Better Care Fund and section 75 agreement to the Strategic Director of People.

Report Title: Approval to enter into a section 75 Agreement with the NHS North East London ICB to govern the delivery of the Better Care Fund 2026-2027

Presented by: Councillor Graham Day (Cabinet Member for Adults and Health)

Summary:

This report seeks approval to enter into a s75 Agreement with the NHS North East London ICB to govern the delivery of the Better Care Fund 2026-2027.

The oversight for this in Havering will be the Health and Wellbeing Board, with delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health and the Strategic Director of People, to undertake monitoring and scrutiny of the operation of the arrangements.

Members were advised that the Better Care Fund supports preventative services designed to promote independence, improve outcomes for residents and reduce pressures on hospital and long-term care services. Key priorities include hospital discharge, reablement, domiciliary care, residential and nursing care, support for carers, assistive technology and wider community-based services.

During discussion, Members queried the effectiveness of the neighbourhood model, funding pressures and anticipated savings. It was acknowledged that delivery of improved outcomes would require stronger integration between health and social care partners, particularly with local NHS providers. The importance of prevention and early intervention was emphasised as a means of reducing longer-term costs and improving resident outcomes.

Questions were also raised regarding projected savings and the financial contribution from the Council. Officers confirmed that the Council's contribution remained consistent with the previous year at approximately £8.4 million and highlighted that the Better Care Fund is intended to facilitate preventative approaches that reduce future expenditure. Members recognised that improvements required to address Care Quality Commission findings would require continued investment and may take time to realise.

Cabinet:

1.    Agreed to enter into a section 75 agreement with NHS North East London ICB, on the terms and conditions outlined in this report, to govern the delivery of the approved Better Care Fund Plan for Havering for the period 2026/2027.

2.    Delegated authority to approve the final terms of the proposed section 75 agreement to the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health and the Strategic Director of People.

3.    Delegated the function of monitoring the implementation and operation of the Better Care Fund and s75 Agreement to the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health.

4.    Delegated authority for all necessary decisions with respect to the implementation and operation of all matters relating to the Better Care Fund and section 75 agreement to the Strategic Director of People.