NHS Cornwall and Devon merger put on hold

The government has postponed a planned merger between the NHS integrated care boards (ICBs) of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon. The merger, which was intended to proceed in April 2027, was part of a broader NHS England initiative to reduce the number of ICBs nationwide from 42 to 26 to lower operating costs.

The decision to halt the merger follows criticism from local leaders, including Cornwall Council’s Liberal Democrat leader Leigh Frost, who had previously described the plan as ‘outrageous’. Instead of joining a combined ‘Devonwall’ authority, Cornwall is expected to become a single Foundation Strategic Authority with devolved powers from the central government.