Public Sector

Public concern has only grown, says ICB, while evidence of benefits remains thin

One of the UK's biggest health regions has doubled down on its decision not to join the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP), owing to concerns over its lead supplier, Palantir, and a lack of evidence for the technology's benefits.

Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board (ICB), which manages health services for 2.8 million people, deferred a decision on whether to sign up to the FDP last year. It is the only ICB in England to do so.

A board meeting in May 2025 heard that NHS England had not addressed the ICB's concerns around risks. The ICB added that Greater Manchester's capability in data analytics was greater than what the FDP currently offered.

In a November meeting, Greater Manchester ICB said it would review its position.…