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Integrated Care Boards

Asked by Charlie DewhirstConservativeDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 23 June 2025UIN 59542

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the capacity of Integrated Care Boards to deliver services effectively (a) during and (b) after proposed structural reforms.

Answered by Karin Smyth

NHS England has asked integrated care boards (ICBs) to act primarily as strategic commissioners of health and care services and reduce duplication of responsibilities within the health and care structure. To deliver on this commitment, ICBs have drafted and shared their delivery and resource plan including staffing management in accordance with the guidance set out in Sir Jim Mackey's letter of 1 April 2025 and the Model ICB framework. NHS England is working with ICBs to review and implement these plans.

NHS England is working closely with ICBs to ensure these changes do not compromise quality of care or the statutory responsibilities of ICBs.

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