Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what guidance they have issued to integrated care boards in England about (1) the projected reduction in headcount as a result of the abolition of NHS England, and (2) the balance between maintaining staff (a) at the 'place' level and, (b) in the integrated care board administration.

NHS England has asked the integrated care boards (ICBs) to act primarily as strategic commissioners of health and care services and to reduce the duplication of responsibilities within their structure to achieve a 50% cost reduction in their running cost allowance. NHS England provided additional guidance to ICBs, National Health Service trusts, and NHS foundation trusts on 1 April 2025, where ICBs were tasked with developing plans by the end of May setting out how they will manage their resources to deliver across their priorities.

The Government understands the importance of communities and places, which is why NHS England will be working closely with the ICBs to support the development of these plans, ensuring that their implementation reduces duplication and supports patient care.

We continue to analyse and assess impacts of all kinds and will work collaboratively across both organisations to put in place plans to ensure the continuity of services and patient safety.