ICB merger suspended due to ‘devolution discussions’

The merger of Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) with Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) has been delayed until at least April 2028.

This is one of nine mergers affecting twenty ICBs, put back to enable government to consider the implications of the prime minister’s devolution agenda.

Andy Burnham has said that ICB footprints will align with Strategic Authorities by the end of this Parliament.

A Strategic Authority has responsibility for strategy development and programme delivery for specific areas such as employment, environment and transport across a group of local authorities, and usually has a mayor.

Gloucestershire isn’t currently part of a Strategic Authority, although it is the stated preference of the County Council to join the West of England Combined Authority (Weca).

It is far too early to say what this might mean for the VCSE sector in the long-term. However, in Manchester, Andy Burnham’s commitment to a ‘place first’ approach has led to an increased focus on the prevention agenda and a thriving VCSE sector, so there is cause for cautious optimism as he starts to develop the structures that can make this a reality at a national scale.

More immediately, BNSSG and Gloucestershire ICBs are just completing a restructure to create a unified workforce. They will continue to work as a single clustered ICB, although they will remain two separate legal entities.

Meanwhile, Gloucestershire County Council’s reorganisation also remains on pause.

We will share further news as it becomes available.