The Local Government Association (LGA) has warned that digital reform in health and social care risks failing unless councils are made equal partners with the NHS.
A new report from the LGA and PPL says councils play a crucial role in delivering joined-up digital services under the 10-Year Health Plan for England. It argues that the costs of integration often fall on local government, while the benefits, such as reduced hospital demand, are felt by the NHS.
The report identifies data sharing and interoperability as the biggest practical barriers, and says current reforms are too fragmented and technology-focused.
The LGA is calling on the Government to make neighbourhood health the guiding principle for digital integration, set national standards for data sharing, and publish clear guidance on AI governance.
It also wants stronger digital leadership in councils and recognition of their role in tackling digital exclusion.
Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: ‘If Government wants neighbourhood health to succeed, local government must be positioned at the centre of digital reform rather than as a supporting actor to NHS digital reform. Without councils, digital health reform will fail.’
Further reading
Digital Health Tools: Supporting healthier communities at scale
Learning from NHS digital transformation
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