Of course, we don’t yet know whether the pause will result in fundamental change or marginal change. If the changes to the core of the bill are not radical, then councils will still need to adjust to working with a more diverse range of health providers, in a more competitive environment. Whether there is an inherent contradiction between more competition (and greater independence and financial freedom for existing bodies, such as foundation trusts), and the thrust for greater integration between health and local government, is debatable, but there must be concerns.

It is likely that the form of the GP consortia will alter – with probably a wider membership from clinicians who are not GPs, and perhaps some patient representation. It still looks like the government would resist local authority, and specifically, elected member representatives. Though the Liberal Democrats may push for this? This leaves open the key issue of accountability. There will, very likely, be concessions about the need for consortia to be more open bodies, subject to Freedom of Information rules and to be held in public. Councils will need to ensure that they do indeed act in ways that give the public access to the critical decisions they will make.