Councils backed to take on commissioning
Councils should be given more control ? even possibly complete control ? over health commissioning, according to a new report by think tank Localis
Author: Jamie Hailstone, the MJ |
It called on the Government to look at expanding councils’ powers over health commissioning if the boards were not having enough influence.
The report also recommended more data sharing between all healthcare partners and making the public health minister a joint position between the Department of Health and the Cabinet Office.
According to a survey of council leaders and chief executives carried out for the report, 96% believe their local authority will improve the health of their residents under the new system.
Mr Lamb said the report was a ‘welcome addition to the ongoing discussion and work on integration’.
‘Better coordinated health and care has the potential to really improve peoples’ experiences and outcomes,’ he added.
‘Health and wellbeing boards will be central to achieving this aim as they bring together local commissioners, along with patient and service user representatives, to plan services around local needs.’
The chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA), Sir Merrick Cockell, said: ‘The shift towards greater local control of health commissioning and provision through the leadership of health and wellbeing boards points the way to a better way of working, but this approach has to be embraced right across the public sector.
‘The LGA is working with national partners and local authorities to support all areas to develop strong and integrated plans that address local health challenges and make the most of local assets.’