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Integrated Care Boards: Operating Costs

Asked by Helen MorganLiberal DemocratDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 26 March 2025UIN 38394

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to ask ICBs to reduce running costs by half.

Answered by Karin Smyth

As part of the necessary changes to support the National Health Service to recover, NHS England has indicated that integrated care boards (ICBs) should reduce running costs. The Government is supportive of NHS England taking the action needed to get the NHS back on its feet.

The reduction in ICB running costs is a necessary step to ensure that more funding is directed toward frontline health services, where it is needed most. These changes will streamline commissioning and administrative costs so we can prioritise patient care and improve health outcomes. This decision reflects our commitment to delivering the best possible services while using resources responsibly.

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