Member

On 5 March, my noble friend Lady Smith and my noble friend Lady Merron, the Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, wrote to the noble Baroness, Lady Barran, and the noble Lord, Lord Bellingham, setting out the Government’s plan to strengthen collaboration. That includes asking ICBs to confirm in writing their commitment to working with RCCs as a condition of funding. Updated programme guidance issued alongside the expression of interest will set out clearer expectations on joint working; should the House not insist on this amendment, which would otherwise require a different approach, the Government will issue this guidance tomorrow. This builds on learning from the pathfinders in Greater Manchester and the south-east, and officials continue to work with the Department of Health to ensure alignment with ongoing ICB reforms.