Each CCG was subjected to a rigorous authorisation process to ensure it was fit for purpose and ready to take on the responsibility for commissioning budgets. Sandwell and West Birmingham CCG showed great progress through the authorisation process and was authorised as a Wave 1 CCG by NHS England on 5 December 2012. Since that date further work has been undertaken, and Sandwell and West Birmingham CCG was fully authorised to take on the full range of its statutory duties from 1 April 2013.