NHS England told us that ICBs are required to understand the needs of their populations and their projections of future demand.30 NHS England acknowledged that it must take the lead on establishing a single commissioning approach for the provision of palliative care. To support ICBs to become better strategic commissioners, NHS England told us of a strategic commissioning development and improvement programme for ICBs that is being launched in April this year. NHS England assured us that despite ICBs reducing in size, the programme will support them to increase their capacity to understand their population data and improve outcomes for their populations.31 25 Qq 13 and 43 26 Qq 45, 76 and 78; Letter from Sue Ryder, 16 January 2026 27 Q 13 28 C&AG’s report, paras 18–19 29 Qq 32, 34-35, 42-43 and 78 30 Qq 33-34 and 57 31 Qq 34-36 12