Oxfordshire's Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) has said it is ‘disappointed’ at the DHSC’s decision not to intervene in the restructuring of Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) ICB.

The JHOSC made the request to the Government after BOB ICB proposed the removal of dedicated ‘place directors’ for each county in a bid to save on running costs.

In August 2024, members of the JHOSC said they were angry they had not been informed about the changes until the very end of a consultation.

In November 2024, the JHOSC said it remained concerned by the restructure after the ICB proposed a ‘place-based convenor’ that would not be funded by the care board, but by the county's Better Care Fund, which both the NHS and Oxfordshire County Council contribute to.

Responding to the DHSC’s decision not to intervene, Cllr Jane Hanna, chair of Oxfordshire Joint Health Overview Scrutiny Committee, said: ‘While we are disappointed that the DHSC has decided not to intervene in the restructure of BOB ICB, which will bring massive centralised changes to their operating model, we are pleased that our emergency action and ongoing scrutiny has retained vital funds for Oxfordshire, as well as a joint funded position to ensure continued place-based working.

‘Representatives from JHOSC will continue to work with BOB ICB on resolving any important outstanding concerns.’

A spokesperson for BOB ICB said: ‘We welcome the decision of DHSC and are progressing with our new structure.

‘As an ICB, we remain committed to supporting the development and strengthening of place partnerships, including our work with our local authorities, voluntary sector organisations and local communities.’