Agenda item

·         Joint Committee and sub-groups

·         HNY ICB update

·         NYC update

·         WY ICB update

A verbal update was provided by Mark Bradley, North Yorkshire Place Director for the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership; Richard Webb, Corporate Director of Health and Adult Services (NYC); and Nic Harne, Corporate Director of Community Development (NYC).

It was reported that a Joint Committee meeting had taken place on 18 December 2025, with strong attendance from members representing a range of stakeholders. The meeting was positive, with agenda items being led by all partners. Items covered included the following topics.

·        The vision for community services, alignment with neighbourhood health, the core offer, best practice, and transformation.

·        Embedding the right culture to support neighbourhood health.

·        Health on the high street, specifically exploring how best to support the Mayor in identifying opportunities.

·        A discussion regarding healthy people, where existing work programmes and health inequalities funding was reviewed. Lessons from the first two years of investment were discussed and a further report would be brought back.

·        Feedback on the ongoing Role of the Health and Wellbeing Board review.

The following below updates were also provided.

·        It was reported that neighbourhood plans were expected to be available between March and May and would be brought to the Health and Wellbeing Board.

·        It was noted that the Directors’ Group was now fully operational and working effectively alongside the Health and Care Management Team.

·        From a commissioning intentions perspective, it was reported that ICB and provider plans were expected to be submitted in February, although several key documents were still outstanding and national guidance had not been issued.

·        An update was provided on the H&NY ICB restructure. The consultation had closed, and it was confirmed that the ICB remained committed to the importance of ‘place’ and to continued representation on key bodies. The final structure was expected in the first week of February. The Joint Committee had discussed the potential impact of the changes and the need to maintain momentum.

·        It was reported that the Council was progressing through its budget-setting process, with consideration by the Executive on 20 January and Full Council on 13 February. The provisional finance settlement had been received, with no major changes expected. It was viewed as unfavourable for North Yorkshire, York and similar authorities, with reductions across most funding streams, a small increase for adult social care, and limited recognition of higher rural costs.

·        Advanced planning is underway for the care and support hubs in Harrogate and Scarborough, with planning applications expected in June and the project currently at RIBA Stage 3 or 4. Appreciation was expressed to NHS Trusts and Dementia Forward for their contributions.

·        It was noted that a new structure within Adult Social Care, involving approximately 800 staff, had recently been implemented and was progressing well, despite ongoing pressures.

·        The recruitment process for the new NYC Corporate Director of Health and Adult Services was continuing, with final interviews scheduled for the week commencing 2 February.

·        A further consultation on planning reforms had been announced, including new regulations intended to accelerate the development of local plans. It was reported that the Government had set a target of 30 months for the preparation of local plans, which would have implications on planning for new health facilities.

·        An update was provided on the Town Investment Plans, with emphasis on the need to embed health within their development. Colleagues were encouraged to engage, and concerns were raised about how best to integrate the health agenda into wider town investment activity.

·        Progress continued on the proposed new Airedale Hospital. It was noted that Richard Webb and Foluke Ajayi would meet in mid‑February to discuss the neighbourhood model and governance within a more streamlined West Yorkshire ICB.

·        Thanks were recorded for Rob Webster, Chief Executive of West Yorkshire ICB, who is stepping down at the start of the year.

·        It was reported that the staff consultation on the West Yorkshire ICB changes had launched on 14 January and would run until mid-March. The launch had been delayed to allow for refinement of proposals, and it was felt that the organisation was well prepared. Some risks relating to business continuity were acknowledged, and work was ongoing to address these.

Resolved

a)     That the updates be noted.