Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many sustainability and transformation plan areas have submitted a credible implementation plan.

Neighbouring National Health Service hospitals, family doctors and local councils in every part of England have come together for the first time to plan around the overall needs of patients. Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) are a unique exercise in collaboration that will deliver common-sense improvements in prevention, health and social care by 2021.

STP footprints are currently engaging local communities and stakeholders on their draft plans, and where appropriate acute and commissioning partners are consulting on specific service improvements.

On 27 February the chief executives of NHS England and NHS Improvement wrote to STP leaders, setting out their expectation that each STP would submit an STP implementation plan shortly. No plans have yet been completed.

They also stated the upcoming NHS Five Year Forward View Delivery Plan will outline the steps NHS England and NHS Improvement will take to help ensure all areas have developed credible implementation plans.