Safe Housing and Hospital Discharge

Baroness Tyler of Enfield Excerpts

Wednesday 19th March 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I very much commend the innovation and the commitment of people locally in the way that the right reverend Prelate describes. ICBs would be wise to work closely with the third sector in order to provide support and to tackle the very real challenges. With regard to decisions on how they use their funding, it is for ICBs to take into account the needs of the population and provide accordingly. As I say, it would be a wise ICB that took advantage of the innovation and the commitment in its local area.

[Baroness Tyler of Enfield (LD)]

My Lords, does the Minister think that there is a case for further guidance or even legislative change to ensure that ICBs—those left standing anyway—are actively improving integration between the NHS and other stakeholders, such as housing and local government? We all understand that social care is vital to successful discharge plans. Is the Minister able to say how many ICBs have senior representation from social care or local government on their boards?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

As the noble Baroness is aware, ICBs bring together local government and local health services. While I cannot be as specific as the noble Baroness asks, I will be very happy to look into that. There is not just an expectation but a requirement, as I said, to agree plans locally, which means more timely and more effective discharge. Certainly, the better care fund is crucial, so I feel that we are going in the right direction. This is a matter that we constantly have under review, and we are always looking for ways to improve delivery.