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Integrated Care Boards: Standards

Asked by Bob BlackmanConservativeDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 13 February 2026UIN 111652

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many ICBs have Activity Management Plans in place.

Answered by Karin Smyth

NHS England does not hold this information centrally. Integrated care boards have contractual powers to manage activity by providers, which were enhanced in 2025/26 with central support for setting and managing activity. The NHS Standard Contract includes the ability to set indicative action plans to help providers and commissioners plan demand, capacity, and expenditure. While not binding, if activity exceeds the agreed plan, and therefore the funding agreed, an Activity Management Plan can be agreed to bring activity back in line.

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