Mark Whitehead William Eichler 15 June 2023

Council chiefs criticise rejection of key Hewitt recommendation

Council chiefs criticise rejection of key Hewitt recommendation  image
Image: JP WALLET / Shutterstock.com.

Local government leaders have welcomed an official report recommending more autonomy for integrated care systems (ICS) but criticised the Government’s decision not to increase proportion of resources spent on prevention.

Commenting on the Government’s response to the Hewitt review of ICSs, the Local Government Association (LGA) says it is disappointed that the Government has rejected a recommendation to increase the proportion of resources spent on preventative healthcare by at least 1% over the next five years.

The Hewitt review recommended there should be fewer national targets set for ICSs, set up last year to deliver 'joined up' health and care services and involving a range of participants including the NHS, councils, community and voluntary organisations, and said there should be more emphasis on prevention.

However, in their response the Department of Health and Social Care said: ‘we do not agree with imposing a national expectation of an essentially arbitrary shift in spending.’

The response continued: ‘To support investment in prevention, NHS England and DHSC will work closely with ICSs, local government partners and NICE to develop practical information and evidence to support local investment decisions.’

David Baines, vice-chair of the LGA's community wellbeing board, said the association was 'largely supportive' of the recommendations of the Hewitt review, particularly the reduction of national targets and a clear focus on prevention.

'We are therefore disappointed that the Government has rejected the Hewitt Review suggestion to grow the proportion of funding spent on prevention by 1% per year.

'Historically, prevention has always been overshadowed by the immediate funding challenges for acute and hospital care.

'Without resources specifically earmarked for prevention, we will not see the radical step change in NHS investment that is required to turn the curve on a growing burden of ill-health and long-term conditions.'

If this story was of interest, check out our feature, 'Health & care transformation: What do we need to consider?'

Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Children’s Social Care and Early Help

Thurrock Borough Council
Salary
Thurrock Borough Council
Recuriter: Thurrock Borough Council

Rights of Way Assistant

Derbyshire County Council
£28,797 - £30,708
Within the Highways Directorate we are looking to appoint enthusiastic, customer focused and experienced person to join the Service. Darley Dale, Matlock
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Design Engineer

Essex County Council
Up to £0.0000 per annum
Project Design EngineerFixed Term, Full Time£37,559 to £44,186 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Project Design Engineer

Essex County Council
Up to £0.0000 per annum
Project Design EngineerFixed Term, Full Time£37,559 to £44,186 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker - Children in Care, West Essex

Essex County Council
Negotiable
Social Worker - Children in Care, West EssexPermanent, Full Time£37,185 to £50,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner