Agenda item

The Chairman invited Eleanor law to introduce the report.

Eleanor introduced the report which provided Board members with an update on the joint meeting of the People and Places, City Regions, and Community Health and Wellbeing Board Lead Members, and the LGA’s response to the NHS England and NHS Improvement consultation on Integrated Care Systems (ICS). She confirmed that she would submit a further update report to a future meeting of the City Regions Board, should the NHS or the Department of Health provide further information with regards to the NHS bill.

Members made the following comments:

• There is no consistency at all around the country with regards to the proposals.

• We need to have devolved decision-making to have influence over our local health service. Some local authorities have been badly burnt by decisions made in relation to shifting services and continue to take the blame and backlash for decisions that they have not made. It’s important to be clear about lines of responsibility and involvement and how we’re delivering positive outcomes.

• There is an assumption that the NHS make decisions solely on the basis of medical criteria, but decisions have been made on some occasions because hospitals are fighting for areas of particular expertise.

• There is sensitivity around border areas.

• I hope that we are going to retain the focus on health devolution and sustainable goals in relation to climate and air-quality.

Decision:

Members noted the report.

Action/s:

Officers to continue to work with councils and NHS England/NHS Improvement to look in detail at options proposed and continue to update Members on the outcome of the consultation.