Devolution, decentralisation and integration of health and social care

The ESPN Flash Reports are produced by the European Social Policy Network (ESPN) established in 2014 to provide the European Commission with independent information, analysis and expertise on social policies. The topics presented in the Flash Reports are identified by ESPN experts in the light of significant developments in their countries, or in some cases suggested by the Commission.

The ESPN is managed by LISER and APPLICA, with the support of OSE - European Social Observatory. For more information, please visit this website.
In March this year, the UK Treasury and the political leaders of the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities signed an agreement that will decentralise control of a budget of £6bn a year to the English Greater Manchester city-region and willintegrate the healthcare and long-term care budgets. There is considerable scepticism about the likely success of the proposed integration in improving efficiency and securing savings and extensive concerns about governance.

Author: Caroline Glendinning