Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to page 12 of policy paper entitled 10 Year Health Plan for England: fit for the future, published on 3 July 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of reducing the headcount of Integrated Care Boards on their capacity.

NHS England has asked integrated care boards (ICBs) to act primarily as strategic commissioners of health and care services and reduce duplication of responsibilities within the health and care structure. All ICBs shared their delivery plan in accordance with the guidance set out in Sir Jim Mackey's letter of 1 April 2025 and the Model ICB framework.

NHS England is working closely with ICBs to ensure the changes do not compromise quality of care. The Government expects ICBs to continue to deliver on all of their statutory responsibility relating to commission of health services and protect frontline medical staff from cuts.