Clinical Commissioning Groups

17 NOVEMBER 2023
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Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs)

Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) were established under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 as part of a significant restructuring of the National Health Service (NHS) in England. They replaced Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and were designed to make healthcare commissioning more locally driven and clinically led. However, under the Health and Care Act 2022, CCGs have now been replaced by Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) as part of the NHS’s shift towards a more integrated healthcare system.

What Were CCGs?

CCGs were statutory NHS bodies responsible for:

  • Planning and commissioning healthcare services for their local populations.
  • Managing budgets for health services, including hospital care, community health services, and mental health services.
  • Ensuring local healthcare needs were met by working with hospitals, GPs, and other healthcare providers.

At their peak, there were 135 CCGs in England, covering defined geographical areas and populations.

Transition to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs)

With the introduction of the Health and Care Act 2022, the NHS moved to a more collaborative approach by establishing Integrated Care Systems (ICSs). ICSs include:

  • Integrated Care Boards (ICBs): These have taken over the responsibilities of CCGs for planning and commissioning healthcare services.
  • Integrated Care Partnerships (ICPs): These work alongside ICBs to address broader health and care needs, incorporating social care and public health services.

The transition aims to break down organisational silos, foster collaboration, and improve population health outcomes.

Key Changes Under the Health and Care Act 2022
  • CCGs Abolished: As of 1 July 2022, all CCG functions were transferred to ICBs.
  • Integrated Approach: ICBs now oversee health and care services, with an emphasis on local needs and reducing health inequalities.
  • Focus on Collaboration: ICSs bring together NHS bodies, local authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless care delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions

What were Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs)?

Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) were statutory NHS bodies in England, set up under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 to replace Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). Their role was to plan and commission healthcare services (such as hospital care, community and mental health services) for local populations, manage budgets, and ensure local healthcare needs were met in partnership with providers such as GPs and hospitals.

What happened to CCGs under the Health and Care Act 2022?

Under the Health and Care Act 2022, CCGs were abolished (from 1 July 2022). Their responsibilities were transferred to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) as part of the shift toward Integrated Care Systems (ICSs). These systems are intended to promote collaboration across NHS bodies, local authorities, and other stakeholders to deliver health and care services more seamlessly and to focus on improving population health and reducing inequalities.

What were the key functions of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) before they were replaced?

Before their replacement, CCGs were responsible for:
– Planning and commissioning healthcare services for their local areas
– Managing the budgets for various health services (hospital, community health, mental health)
– Working with healthcare providers (hospitals, GPs, etc.) to make sure local needs were met.

  • NHS England: Integrated Care Systems This page provides a comprehensive overview of Integrated Care Systems, their role in replacing CCGs, and how they aim to improve healthcare delivery.
  • Health and Care Act 2022: Summary Offers a detailed explanation of the legislative changes introduced by the Health and Care Act, including the transition from CCGs to ICBs.
  • NHS Digital: Historical CCG Data Provides historical data on CCG populations, useful for understanding the scope of their previous responsibilities.
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