In March, the prime minister committed to a 'sustainable long-term plan' for the NHS, backed by a 'multiyear funding settlement'. She expanded on this in June, confirming an increase in NHS funding of an average of 3.4% a year in real terms over the next five years. In turn, she tasked the NHS with producing a long-term plan that sets out how the service intends to deliver major improvements with the new funding available. The publication of this plan is expected to coincide with the autumn Budget, which will formally set out how the uplift will be funded. This briefing provides further information for governors on these announcements. The long-term plan will have a number of implications for governors, which we explore in this briefing, including:

• How governors can support public consultation on significant local changes to services.
• What opportunities are there for delivering further efficiency savings or increased productivity?
• How local system relationships are being developed, and what trusts are doing to ensure progress in delivering more seamless and joined up services, given the expected focus on integration.
• How governors can support public consultation on significant local changes to services.