Reject Collaboration between ICBs and local authorities (LAs) is a core part of our future operating model as set out in our 10 Year Health Plan. However, the current system where LA and ICB collaboration takes place through multiple fora, including the boards of ICBs, integrated care partnerships (ICPs) and health and wellbeing boards (HWBs), is confusing and ineffective. The removal of LAs as well as providers from ICBs will simplify the existing complex landscape of collaboration, as well as reflect the core role of ICBs as strategic commissioners covering larger geographies. In the future, collaboration between ICBs and LAs will be at ‘place’ level, with health and wellbeing boards as the focal point. This is part of our ambition to deliver neighbourhood health. As set out in March 2026’s Neighbourhood Health Framework, ICBs and LAs will work together at HWB level to agree how neighbourhood health can deliver measurable benefits and address local priorities and health inequalities set out in the local joint strategic needs assessment (JSNA). The JSNA includes needs relating to end of life care including bereavement services. The new operating model continues to champion and incentivise partnership working and is embedded into its policy frameworks such as the Strategic Commissioning Framework and the Neighbourhood Health Framework. These documents make it clear that working in partnership is a core enabler of effective strategic commissioning, not just good practice.