Recommendation 9

We asked how the 50% headcount reduction will be applied to ICBs, noting that some were already working efficiently and the importance of the place–based approach in ensuring effective working between local councils, directors of public health and local GPs. The Department expected that the changes to ICBs would not lead to more centralisation. However, NHS England was unable to clarify whether the 50% reduction in ICBs represented a 50% reduction for each ICB individually or across system as a whole. NHS England explained that the detail of the expectations on ICBs would become clear as the 10–year plan for the NHS was finalised.12