A new pledge to streamline targets in primary care was made yesterday as the Government set out proposals for developing the new integrated care systems.

The pledge came in response to two investigations into the new systems which are meant to bring together health services under a single organisation. One investigation was by the House of Commons health committee and the second, commissioned by the Government, by former Labour health secretary Patricia Hewitt.

Ms Hewitt had called for an overhaul of the GP primary care contract using a “national partnership group”. In response the Government said there will be “engagement” with the profession, patients and other stakeholders over the coming year about the future of primary care.

The Government also promised “greater certainty” over budgets. The reports criticised the amount of money allocated through small in-year “pots”. The Government said it would work to ensure that “proportionate” reporting is expected about the use of these pots.

Health committee chair Steve Brine MP said he remained concerned about a “lack of clarity” about what the integrated care systems should be delivering. He was also disappointed that there had been no agreement to put public health representatives on boards. He said: “Without this, it will be difficult to measure their success and ensure accountability in future.”

NHS Confederation chief executive Matthew Taylor said: “The agreement that we must reduce the number of overarching national targets imposed on ICSs will be music to the ears of ICS leaders, empowering them to focus on the priorities of their localities. Let us enact this promptly. NHS leaders have been clear that the move to a prevention focus will be imperative to reducing overall demand on the service and keeping people well for longer. While government have recognized this point, we encourage the government to double down on work on prevention.”

Minister for Care Helen Whately said: “Integrated care systems are already making a difference by bringing together local NHS organisations along with social care and the voluntary sector. We know that joined up care benefits patients and that’s exactly what ICSs are there to provide. We have listened to the reports and the actions we’re going to take, like reviewing how we reduce admin burdens on local systems, will build on the excellent work that ICSs are already doing.”