Driving better health outcomes through integrated care systems: The role of district councils – report by The Kings Fund

The Kings Fund have released a new report in July 2023 that explores the valuable role district councils can play within integrated care systems (ICSs), due to their statutory powers over service areas like planning, housing, benefits, and leisure and green spaces, which affect many of the most significant determinants of health. District council leaders and officers and ICB employees from four case study sites were interviewed and findings were also tested through a workshop with attendees from a wider range of ICSs and district councils.

Principles of success for the involvement of district councils in ICSs were identified including creating effective local partnership structures to help drive collective action on the wider determinants of health. Recommendations were made for ICB Leaders including ensuring prevention is at the heart of the ICS’s mission and purpose, with a renewed focus on the wider determinants of health. Recommendations for district councils included identifying areas of shared priority, where district councils’ priorities align with those of others – including other district councils – involved in the ICS.

To read the report, please see The Kings Fund website.