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GPs sidelined from Manchester devolution plans

GPs have been sidelined from landmark plans to devolve responsibilities for Manchester’s healthcare to ten local authorities and 12 CCGs, local leaders have said.

The LMC said it was not involved in the proposals, which are being finalised and involve the Treasury giving the £6bn budget directly to the CCGs and local authorities, with no role for NHS England’s area team.

Under the plans, Manchester councils would be the only ones in the country to commission general practice.

Bu Greater Manchester LMC medical secretary Dr Tracey Vell said the LMC has not been consulted as part of the changes.

She said: ‘The simple question is whether pooling of money and wider management of these funds help the funds reach the need or whether it causes further constraints? We will only know when we see the details. What we do know is that general practice is a huge provider of health care and a major advocate for patients – but has not been consulted so far.

‘I am disappointed that Greater Manchester LMC, which has a statutory function of supporting all general practices, has not been part of the process so far.’

The plans for Manchester are part of a Government drive to devolve budget responsibilities to regions.

Chancellor George Osborne has said he wants to create a ‘northern powerhouse’ to maximise the economic potential of the north of England.