Agenda item

The Chair welcomed Cllr David Fothergill, Chair of the Community Wellbeing Board, to the meeting and invited Eleanor Law, Policy Adviser, to introduce the report.

Eleanor introduced the report which provided members with an update on developments relating to integrated care systems since the last meeting of the Board ahead of a further update and discussion with Cllr Fothergill.

Cllr Fothergill briefly updated the Board in relation to the development of the Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), the LGA’s response and the current position.

Board Members made the following comments:

• It was recognised that there needed to be a partnership of equals between health partners and local authorities.
• It was disappointing that elected Members had been excluded from Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) given the important role of councils in delivering change and improving outcomes.
• The Chair said that the Board’s reflections in relation to the Health and Care Bill could be shared with Cllr Fothergill following the meeting.
• A concern was raised in relation the way in which the new ICS structure could result in a step backwards for places like Greater Manchester where the existing devolution deal means they have an integrated health budget with the NHS already.
• The importance of local service delivery and supporting local residents was emphasised, along with ensuring the new ICS structures are accountable to local communities.
• ICBs must not replace, undermine or bypass Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs).
• The size of some ICSs may be a barrier to place-based delivery of services.

Cllr Fothergill responded to Board Members’ comments:

• The Health and Care Bill offered a chance to shape Integrated Care Partnerships (ICPs) locally whilst ensuring that the Health and Wellbeing Board could deliver its strategic aims.
• There was an ever-increasing awareness of the significance of local authorities generally, as a result of efforts during the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic.
• The Community Wellbeing Board has been lobbying on a number of areas including the issue of ICB boards and around ensuring that the needs of acute trusts do not dominate agendas.

The Chair suggested that officers contact Cllr Fothergill outside of the meeting with regards to ensuring that the work of the Community Wellbeing Board and that of the City Regions Board aligned to prevent work overlap.

Decision:

·       Board Members noted the report.

Action:

·       Officers to work with the Community Wellbeing Board to share the experiences of the City Regions members and liaise on how best to feed these into the development of future policy lines on health devolution.