Parallel Reforms to the NHS and Local Government: Is Anyone Building the Bridges?
The NHS and local government in England are undergoing separate reforms for separate purposes.
The Labour government’s 10 year plan for the NHS promises new Neighbourhood Health Services, with care shifting from hospitals to communities and a “new partnership with local government”. A new health bill will soon be introduced to parliament, with major changes to NHS planning and decision-making – including its links to local government.
Meanwhile, local government is undergoing a major reorganisation of its own through the government’s Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. This will progressively introduce a nationwide tier of ‘strategic authorities’ led by directly elected mayors with enhanced powers, including in areas of health, wellbeing and public service reform.
But the reforms say little about what the new partnership will involve and how it will improve upon numerous past attempts to encourage joint working across the NHS and local government.
This event brings together an expert panel to discuss the challenges and prospects for greater integration as these reforms take shape.
About the chair and speakers
Hugh Alderwick is Director of Policy and Research at The Health Foundation. His work focuses on NHS reform, health and social care integration, and the social determinants of health. Previously a Senior Policy Advisor at The King's Fund, Hugh has advised the NHS and government on health system performance and reform. As a UK Harkness Fellow, he conducted research in California and Oregon on how healthcare systems address patients’ social needs, including housing and food insecurity, with lessons for policymakers and practitioners in both the UK and US.
Professor Gerald Wistow is a Visiting Professor at the Care Policy and Evaluation Centre (CPEC) at LSE. His work focuses on the evaluation of social care innovation, integration policy, and personalised care. He has advised the UK Department of Health on a range of major policy initiatives, including individual budgets, the Common Assessment Framework for Adults, and NHS integration policy, and has also provided advice to the Cabinet Office, Audit Commission, and the States of Jersey on health and social care reform.
Ben Coleman is the Member of Parliament for Chelsea and Fulham since 2024.
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