This briefing gives an overview of the IJB reforms set out in the government’s Stage 2 amendments to the NCS Bill (published 24 June).
The Government has changed its plans for a National Care Service (see Briefing 139 Jan 2024). What is now proposed is a reform of the existing Integration Joint Boards (IJBs) and the creation of a National Care Service Board (NCSB).
The main feature is centralisation.
Key points:
- Integrated Joint Boards would become mandatory. The lead agency model of integration in Highland would cease and there would be a managed transition to an IJB model.
- A single mandated scheme of delegation is preferred with all services included. Councils would lose responsibility over the planning, delivery & budgets of all children’s social work & social care services along with Justice social work. These would transfer to IJBs/NCS local boards.
- Independent Chairs appointed by and accountable to Ministers are being considered.
- Government will be able to directly fund IJBs for specifically agreed purposes.
- Voting rights on IJBs will be extended.
- IJBs would be accountable to the National Care Service Board and re-branded as ‘National Care Service local boards’.
- The services delivered by councils, health boards and other providers would be re-branded as ‘NCS services’.