Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Danny Beales (Labour) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Health Services

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Department will publish additional analysis of the potential operational implications of further specialised commissioning reform, including through an updated Equality Impact Assessment.

Answer

As of April 2025, integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning the majority of specialised services. NHS England commissions all ‘highly’ specialised services, high secure mental health services, and a small number of other services on a national basis. The list of services commissioned by ICBs and NHS England is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/nhs-england-service-codes/

From April 2027, the legislative reforms proposed are that ICBs should commission the majority of specialised services, with my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, directing ICBs on these functions. It is proposed that the services to be commissioned nationally by my Rt Hon. Friend will be set out in regulations.

The Department published an Equality Impact Assessment of ICBs as strategic commissioners alongside the Health Bill on 14 May 2026. This is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-bill-icbs-as-strategic-commissioners-equality-impact-assessment/health-bill-icbs-as-strategic-commissioners-equality-impact-assessment

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
25187
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Equality Health services Reform Impact assessments
Legislation
Health Bill 2026-27
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk