Strategic commissioning plans: guidance

5. When should strategic commissioning start?

5.1 The new integrated arrangements come into being from April 2015, and Integration Authorities have until 1 April 2016 to meet their statutory requirement to produce a strategic commissioning plan and to begin their integration arrangements. However, local partnerships are encouraged to have their integrated arrangements fully operational in advance of April 2016.

5.2 Functions cannot be delegated to the Integration Authorities until the strategic commissioning plan has been finalised: without a strategic commissioning plan via which to discharge their duties, Integration Authorities cannot take up their duties.