The evolving role of county authorities in Integrated Care Systems

IMPOWER’s new report analyses the new systems which replaced Clinical Commissioning Groups this year from the perspective of councils.

The study, commissioned by the County Councils Network (CCN), is based on a detailed survey and interviews with local authorities in county areas and senior health officials.

County leaders say councils and health partners are forging closer relationships in many Integrated Care Systems across England, and evidence in the study shows that council leaders are investing significant amounts of time with health colleagues within these arrangements.

While these signs are positive, there are significant challenges to overcome before councils can consider ICSs a truly “partnership” endeavour.

The report finds that Integrated Care Systems ‘do not yet feel like a paradigm shift towards delivering truly local priorities based on local engagement.’ Mandated, top-down targets from the NHS and central government are part of this, as well as a perception that too much of their focus, to date, is tending towards addressing pressures in the health system.

If this continues, it may prevent local solutions which would shift the culture of ICSs to better encompass long-term preventative and community initiatives in addition to acute care.