Are health and wellbeing boards ready to play a bigger role?

Despite a lack of formal powers, the positive local impact of health and wellbeing boards should not be underestimated

The drive to integrate public services for health and social care, transport and housing must surely be the holy grail of policymaking. Could health and wellbeing boards (HWBs) be the key to bridging the gap and making integrated services a reality?

The introduction of HWBs in 2012 was initially greeted with positivity and cross-party support. Tasked with assessing the needs of their local population, the boards also set out health and wellbeing strategies that clinical commissioning groups, local authorities and NHS England can use to improve their commissioning decisions. Their remit also extends to greater integration and partnership working, including joint commissioning, integrated provision and pooled budgets.

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