Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Julia Goldsworthy (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Tuesday, 24 April 2007 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Cost Shunting

Question: To what extent will greater co-operation and accountability be introduced by pooling budgets? Is the Minister aware of Cornwall county council’s local government review submission, which proposes exactly that? Are any discussions taking place at a cross-departmental level to encourage that?

Answer: I have a great deal of sympathy with what the hon. Lady says. We need to move from a notion of partnership between local government, the NHS and the voluntary sector to a notion of integration in every local community. We must move away from health care and social care being provided separately, so that local government and the health service locally truly secure the health and well-being of the local population, strongly focused on the needs of individuals, older people, disabled people and their carers, and families.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 459 c777
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Related items: Cost Shunting
Wednesday, 6 June 2007
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Health services Finance NHS Social services
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk