“Some sustainability and transformation plans are unrealistic and lack substance, a CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) analysis has revealed.
The institute examined nine published STPs, of the 44 currently being developed in England. They aim to improve services and reduce cross by ushering in a cross-systems approach to health and social care.
But CIPFA said some of the plans failed to set out a credible case on deliverability. In particular, they failed to quantify some of the risks of additional pressures that may emerge and of savings not being delivered.
In some cases savings targets are over-optimistic as savings as the targets lack context.
CIPFA is urging more contingency planning to ensure the STPs are achievable as well as greater use of integrated working and a cross-sector approach to social care pressures.
Commenting on the findings, CIPFA chief executive Rob Whiteman, who chairs the North East London STP, said: “In order to improve care for local communities, STPs will have to make tough choices to deliver meaningful change.
“However, it is of vital importance that STPs fully assess whether the actions proposed can actually meet savings targets and boost the quality of services by doing robust financial planning. …”
East Devon Watch 