Government reverses plan to exclude councils from ICBs in amendment to Health Bill

On 1 September, Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper tabled an amendment to the Health Bill which would restore the requirement to have at least one member “nominated jointly by the local authorities whose areas coincide with, or include the whole or any part of, the integrated care board’s area (as well as any new mayoral nominated member).”

This means that ICBs will have representation from both councils and strategic authorities.

Former Health and Social Care Secretary James Murray was urged to rethink the plans to remove the statutory right for local government representation on ICBs by members of the Health and Social Care Committee in July.

Commenting on the Government’s decision, Phil Holmes, President of ADASS, said: “Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) work best when the NHS, local government and adult social care work together to improve outcomes for people and communities. ADASS has long been concerned about the Health Bill proposals to remove mandated council representation from ICBs, so we fully endorse this change of direction.

“We welcome proposals that strengthen partnership working across health and care. It is important that the Health Bill does not water down the essential connection between local government and ICBs given the key statutory responsibilities for social care lie with local authorities.”

The Department for Health and Social Care has been approached for comment.

Lottie Winson