The plan to ‘cluster’ Northamptonshire ICB and Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) ICB has now been formally approved by NHS England and government ministers.
Both ICBs will continue to exist as separate statutory bodies, but in time they will move to work as one, with a single set of staffing structure and board governance. This is part of a national move to bring together Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) into 26 clusters, down from the current 42.
While there are still important details to be worked through – such as arrangements for continuing healthcare, safeguarding, and services for people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) – they are moving forward with purpose to ensure a smooth transition that prioritises the needs of local people.
Their structure and implementation plan (currently being developed) show a significantly reduced running cost budget – a 33% reduction for LLR and a 29% reduction for Northamptonshire. This comes after NHS England announced that ICBs nationally were to reduce their running costs.