NHS England has now outlined the creation of 26 ICB clusters, bringing together the current 42 ICBs into larger strategic groupings.
Each cluster will have a shared leadership and executive team, while individual ICBs remain as legal entities. The aim is to:
- cut duplication,
- strengthen collaboration, and
- move towards more integrated and efficient commissioning
This shift supports the wider NHS reform programme, targeting a 50% reduction in running costs and ensuring ICBs can focus on their role as strategic commissioners, operating effectively at around £18 per head of population.
Date: 2 September