Policy and Influence

Where will Andy Burnham take health and social care?

The recently published Neighbourhood Health Framework sets out how a new neighbourhood health service will be built across England, moving care from hospitals into communities, organised around defined local populations. The VCSE sector is explicitly named as a potential delivery partner in Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs). Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs) will own neighbourhood health plans from 2027–28. This means that VCSE representation on Gloucestershire’s HWB is key. The Civil Society Covenant is directly referenced as a guiding principle, giving the sector a formal lever. Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) must deliver minimum requirements in 2026–27.

Earlier today (26 November 2025), the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered the Autumn Budget, presenting it as a plan to cut NHS waiting lists, reduce national debt, and ease the cost of living. What does this mean for Gloucestershire households and the local VCSE sector?

With the role of neighbourhoods featuring across government policy, NAVCA has released a report today into the value and importance of neighbourhoods.