Agenda item

Philip Clifford, Senior Adviser, introduced the paper and providedan update on the newly formed health and devolution working group established by NHS Confederation and co-sponsored by the LGA following its first meeting in April 2023.

Members made the following comments:

• The importance of low-level architecture was emphasised, and the need for ICSs to appoint a place-making officer that local planning authorities could contact for their input into planning applications, was expressed.
• A Member sought clarification in relation to the devolution deals in combined authorities, as mentioned within the report.
• In relation to issues with accountability, a Member asked whether there had been any developments within ICBs which led to direct accountability without the need to liaise with local authorities.
• The importance of community wealth building in lifting areas economically and recruiting staff living within the area was emphasised.
• The green plans set out within ICBs needed to be integrated with local authorities’ green plans.
• The need for more democratic accountability within the NHS and local accountability in decision making was emphasised.

In response to a question, Philip explained the purpose of the report in greater detail and said that it focused on devolution deal areas, specifically on local authorities’ new powers and how they fit with ICSs. He added that the Community Wellbeing Board, People & Places Board and City Regions Board were all discussing the topic.

Decision:

Members noted the report.

Action:

Officers to provide an update to Board Members once the report had been presented to the City Regions Board on 7 June.