English Devolution Integrated Care Boards 2025-05-06
2025-05-06
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about the lack of cooperation between developers, local councils, and ICBs regarding GP surgery funding in Wixams.
Funding and delivery of a GP surgery for Wixams in my constituency continues to fall between the cracks of developers, local councils and the local ICB. Does the Minister agree that to break those deadlocks and build the infrastructure that our communities require, new mayors should have the power to direct ICBs, making locally elected politicians responsible rather than unelected quangos?
The hon. Member tempts me slightly on local accountability, on which he has been a strong campaigner. As he knows from meeting me, I agree that it is important that such local bodies respond properly so that where there are expansions of housing, which we want to see, they are supported by local infrastructure. I am happy to come back to him with any further detail.
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Assessment & feedback
Local Accountability
Strong Campaigner
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP mentioned that the Norfolk and Waveney integrated care board is consulting again on closing Norwich’s walk-in centre despite previous objections from residents.
Norfolk and Waveney integrated care board is consulting once again on closing Norwich’s walk-in centre. It asked the same question two years ago and the city and Norfolk said, “No, we want to save our walk-in centre.” Does the Minister agree on the importance of walk-in centres, and in the context of devolution, how will we ensure that ICBs heed what residents say?
My hon. Friend is right to campaign on behalf of her constituents to make sure that more services are delivered in communities. We want to see services brought out of hospital and into local communities. It is up to the ICB to decide how those are commissioned, but we will certainly make sure that, as part of our commitments under our 10-year plan, we see more of those sorts of services working together in neighbourhoods.
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Assessment & feedback
Services Brought Out Of Hospital
Local Communities
Response accuracy