Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs): What, why and where next?

Article

The NHS is facing one of the most challenging periods in its history, with a funding gap of more than £22 billion over the coming years. And the pressure on the social care system is more acute than ever, with many councils raising eligibility thresholds and making cuts to social care budgets.

Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) – which are local health and care reform plans, authored jointly by NHS and local government leaders to improve outcomes and drive greater efficiency in their local area – are one of the government’s main responses to this problem. These plans rightly focus on decentralising power within the NHS, investing in leadership and relationships to drive improvements, and on local health and care organisations coming together to overcome the silos created by the 2012 Health and Care Act.

This report looks at the most promising reform solutions that have been correctly identified by STPs, and also sets out the range of challenges that stand in the way of them realising their vision for improved health and efficiency.

Related items

  1. Britain’s broken social contract: Young people have lost faith in their future

    Drawing on new evidence, this blog examines the decline in young people’s optimism about work, success and social mobility, and argues for a new deal to rebuild trust in Britain’s social contract.
  2. Female beggar in London. Sitting on a bag, with a blanket round her legs and a blue hood and brown coat. A newspaper and litter is on the path as she rests with a hand out against a map as people walk past

    Closing the gaps: Immigration status and homelessness

    Homelessness in England is on the rise, including among migrants and refugees.

  3. Maeve Schaffer on BBC News discussing the Open golf championship in the North West