In the June 2013 Spending Round, the Chancellor set out Government plans for a £3.8bn Integration Transformation Fund (ITF) to ensure closer integration between health and social care. This was viewed positively by many in local authorities, as their funding for social care has been significantly constrained by budgetary pressures in recent years.

The full detail on the operation of the fund has not yet been finalised, but interim information has recently been jointly published by NHS England and the Local Government Association (LGA). Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and local authorities (LAs) will be starting to work on plans for use of the fund, coordinated through the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB), so it is important that LPCs have an understanding of the ITF in order that they can engage in local discussions at an appropriate time. This PSNC Briefing summarises the recently issued guidance.

PSNC Briefing 100/13: The Integration Transformation Fund (October 2013)

If you have any queries on this PSNC Briefing or you require more information, please contact the PSNC Services Team at: Services.Team@psnc.org.uk.

To browse other PSNC briefings on services and commissioning click here.

January 2014 – The ITF has been re-branded the Better Care Fund.

King’s Fund evidence summary – Making best use of the Better Care Fund. Spending to save?