Understand
Devon and Cornwall care board merger postponed until 2028
Overview
Government proposals to merge the Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) for Devon and Cornwall have been postponed until at least 2028, pending discussions on devolution and public service arrangements. North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire welcomed the delay, expressing hope that the plans will be permanently scrapped to prevent decisions and funding from being moved outside of Cornwall.
Key points
- The proposed merger of Devon and Cornwall's Integrated Care Boards has been postponed until at least 2028.
- The Department of Health and Social Care stated the delay allows for wider discussions on devolution and aligning ICB boundaries with strategic authorities.
- North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire welcomed the postponement and hopes the merger plans will be permanently abandoned.
- Maguire and other Cornwall MPs raised concerns that a merged board would move decision-making power to Plymouth and Exeter and risk Cornwall's funding being used to cover Devon ICB's financial deficit.