Agenda and minutes

As the most senior Member, Deputy Christopher Boden took the Chair until the election of the Chair for the ensuing year.

Apologies were received from Deborah Oliver who was unable to attend due to a clash with the City Bridge Foundation Board.

Ruby Sayed declared that she is the appointed governor for the City of London on the East London NHS Foundation Trust.

To receive the Order of the Court following the Court meeting of 25 April 2025.

The Committee received the Order of the Court setting out the Committee’s membership and terms of reference for the 2025-26 municipal year.

A Member commented that it would be helpful for the statutory provisions referenced in the Terms of Reference to be clearly signposted.

To elect a Chair in accordance with Standing Order 28.

A single expression of interest being received, David Sales was duly elected to the post of Chair for the ensuing year.

David Sales thanked his predecessor Deputy Christopher Boden for his dedication and contributions, and thanked Andrew Mayer and Michael Hudson for their hard work.

The newly-elected Chair welcomed new Members Ruby Sayed and Mercy Haggerty.

To elect a Deputy Chair in accordance with Standing Order 29

One expression of interest being received, Deputy Christopher Boden was duly elected Deputy Chair.

To agree the minutes of the meeting of 29 January 2025.

RESOLVED, That the minutes of the meeting of 29 January 2025 be approved as an accurate record of the proceedings.

To note the report of the Clerk.

The Committee noted the report of the Clerk.

On action 2, the Committee noted the following update:

Imago (the carer support services provider commissioned by the City of London Corporation) has provided IAG training on these four areas:

• Advocacy
• Lasting power of Attorney
• Carer identification schemes
• Carers Rights

There is some upcoming Carers Champion training for businesses starting in June 2025.

To note the Forward Plan.

The Committee noted the Forward Plan.

In response to a request for clarification on what determines the Forward Plan, the meeting heard that the plan is agreed between Members and Officer, taking into account inspection and evaluation timetable and input from Healthwatch.

A Member asked that Primary Care for residents in the ward of Portsoken be added to the Forward Plan for scrutiny.

To view the presentation of the Assistant Director Partnerships and Commissioning

The Committee heard an update and summary on the systems and services, and the role of the Committee.

The Committee noted these points:

-        The Committee’s role is primarily that of oversight and scrutiny;

-        The Committee’s responsibilities towards non-residents differs across various areas in line with relevant legislation; and

-        An update on sexual health services is expected to be provided to the Committee within the next year.

A Member sought clarification that the Committee’s responsibilities around mental health services and support were being properly scrutinised in respect of workers and residents.  The meeting heard that the East London NHS Foundation Trust provides certain City and Hackney services, among other services (including mental health service provision), and that further information on mental health services (including prevention and treatment) is expected to be scrutinised at future meetings. 

A Member asked for further information on the challenges faced by City of London teams. The meeting noted that of the 9-11K residents of the City the population tended to be older, and varied greatly depending on the ward. Members also noted mixed levels of data reliability given the small numbers involved, noting also the disproportionately high demand on sexual health services, and the increased focus on suicide prevention due to the nature of the area.   Members also noted some tensions around devolved funding related to place-based funding relating to the City and Hackney place-based partnership.

A Member sought confirmation that information between the Committee and the Inner North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee is shared. The meeting heard that there is some duplication but that the Committee takes a higher level view in general and agreed that updates be provided as a matter of course.

Members acknowledged the high quality of the City’s adult social care provision.

To note the report of the Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services and the Director of Public Health. 

The Committee noted the report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services and the Director of Public Health setting out the proposed way forward for the City of London’s Health and Wellbeing Board development.

Members commented on the merits of regular dialogue between the Chairs of the Committee and of the Health and Wellbeing Board to reduce the risk of duplication.

Members noted the difficulty of obtaining meaningful data given the specific nature of the demands on health services in the City, and commented on the merits of ensuring that the right data was made available to ensure that the Committee and the Board were able to properly scrutinise the service provision, noting the potential for AI to support better data collection.

The Committee approved the proposed way forward.

To view the presentation of the Strategic Lead for Children and Young People, NHS North East London and colleagues

The Committee viewed the presentation on Neurodevelopmental Pathways for Autism and ADHD by members of the City and Hackney Place-based Partnership team.

Members noted the significant strain on resources and the initiatives to improve access to healthcare, particularly for those with autism and ADHD.

A Member commented on the apparent disparities in diagnosis around autism and SEND provision within the City area, noting the apparent paucity of data (including disparities in gender, age and ethnicity). The meeting heard that while there is more to do and progress is being made, work is ongoing particularly in the Tower Hamlets area (including an Autism Improvement Network that focusses on children and young people) towards a consistent offer across the area.

The meeting heard that the data currently suggests that more women than men are being seen for autism (approximately a ratio of 53-47) as adults, suggesting late diagnosis in the case of females attributable to a range of factors.

The meeting heard that the significant financial constraints at all levels, including Integrated Care Boards, are such that priorities are an ongoing consideration.

A Member commented that there is merit in lobbying for more funding, and asked for further information on the extent to which a more holistic approach is adopted.

The meeting heard that a range of programmes are under way in schools to support neuro-diversity and educate the school environment to better understand needs and lead to more timely diagnosis and identification.

There were no questions.

There was no other business.

MOTION - That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED – That, under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that the involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

There was no other business.