During questions to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care yesterday, there was a suggestion that Metro Mayors should have the power to direct Integrated Care Boards. With the intention that elected politicians hold responsibility instead of "unelected quangos".

Responding on behalf of Mental Health Matters, Jane Hughes, Chief Executive Officer, said:

"Mental Health Matters certainly welcomes the increased involvement of elected officials in the decision-making process for Integrated Care Boards. It's crucial they also possess the appropriate powers to scrutinise Integrated Care Boards and hold them accountable. We would happily look forward to working with elected officials on this and showcasing our services delivered in partnership with the ICBs.

The government's proposal in the devolution packages for regions, to include Metro Mayors as members of the Integrated Care Board, already allows local elected officials' engagement within the ICBs to thrive.

However, there are several barriers to Metro Mayors holding powers directly over the ICBs, not least removing those with expertise from the health sector to make decisions focused on people who access our services, not political motivations.

We also firmly reject the characterisation of ICBs as "unelected quangos". ICBs already have to implement significant reforms, and the suggestion of further top-down reorganisations will take them away from delivering for the populations they serve.

There are plenty of opportunities that come with the changes to NHS England, and the government's plans will give elected officials control over the strategy and direction of the NHS, but ICBs now have to be allowed to get on with their jobs.

We will be writing to the Secretary of State to inform him of the value that ICBs add to our sector and society."