Health Management and Policy Alert

Innovating for independence: a win-win for health and social care

Reform -
This report argues that, without innovation and reform, the adult social care crisis will only worsen. It sets out practical actions that can be taken on a local, regional and national scale so that emerging technologies can significantly improve the delivery of social care in the short-term.

• Report
• Reform - publications

Standardising community health services: phase 1 codifying core community health services

NHS England -
Community health services cover a diverse range of health care delivery. This guidance aims to support improved commissioning and delivery of community health services. Codifying community health services will help to better assess demand and capacity. It will also help commissioners make investment choices as they design neighbourhood health provision that shifts care to community-based settings.

• Guidance
• NHS England - publications

Neighbourhood health guidelines 2025/26

NHS England -
These guidelines aim to help integrated care boards, local authorities and health and care providers continue to progress neighbourhood health in 2025/26 in advance of the publication of the 10 Year Health Plan.

• Guidance
• NHS England - publications

2025/26 NHS Payment Scheme consultation

NHS England -
The NHS Payment Scheme (NHSPS) sets rules for determining the amount payable by a commissioner for the provision of NHS health care services and some public health services. This consultation on the proposed 2025/26 NHSPS is open until midnight on 28 February 2025.

• Consultation
• NHS England - publications

Revenue finance and contracting guidance for 2025/26

NHS England -
This guidance sets out the revenue finance and contracting frameworks for 2025/26 (1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026) and should be read in conjunction with the 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance and the capital guidance for 2025/26.

• Guidance
• NHS England - publications

Public sector digital trends: beyond borders

Socitm -
This report outlines the digital and technology trends driving local public services change, innovation and poses 10 questions every public service leader must address. Focusing on three deep dive areas covering data, cybersecurity and reimagining services, the report exposes the interdependencies of digital initiatives and organisational goals. It emphasises the importance of clear vision and teamwork to achieve better social, economic and environmental outcomes.

• Report
• Socitm - news

Allocation of resources 2025/26

NHS England -
These documents contain the 2025/26 integrated care board allocations for core services, primary care medical, and running cost allowance.

• NHS England - publications

2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance

NHS England -
In line with the Government Mandate, the 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance sets out a focused, smaller number of national priorities for 2025/26 with an emphasis on improving access to timely care for patients, increasing productivity and living within allocated budgets, and driving reform. To support this, systems will have greater control and flexibility over how they use local funding to best meet the needs of their local population.

• NHS England - guidance

Restructuring social care services: timely intervention for profitability and compliance

Care England -
This report underscores the importance of early intervention and robust management practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of care homes. It highlights the importance of timely responses to early warning signs such as declining occupancy rates, poor Care Quality Commission inspections, and financial irregularities. It also emphasises the potential of leveraging technology to drive efficiencies, improve care delivery, and boost community engagement.

• Report
• Care England - publications

UK poverty 2025: the essential guide to understanding poverty in the UK

Joseph Rowntree Foundation -
This report sets out the nature of poverty in the UK in the run-up to 2024's General Election. It also sets out the scale of action necessary for the Government to deliver the change it has promised.

• Report
• Joseph Rowntree Foundation - publications