Plans to reform health and care services in England so they can work more closely together have been published in a Government White Paper.
Under the proposals, councils and NHS services would set up joint bodies in every part of the country, to make decisions on how to better coordinate health and care services.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock MP said the reforms would enable greater integration, reduce bureaucracy, and strengthen accountability.
The LGA said the Health and Care White Paper provides a promising base on which to build stronger working relationships between local government and the NHS, as equal partners. Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “It is good there is renewed focus and commitment on existing local partnerships and accountability. Making decisions as close to the people they affect needs to be hardwired into the way we work together.
“We understand the desire for greater transparency in social care, but councils need to be an equal partner in the design of any national oversight. This must build on existing sector-led improvement work, recognise local democratic accountability, and give a voice to people who use and work in social care.
“It is helpful the White Paper recognises the pressures facing social care, and makes clear that the Government remains committed to reform, but action is needed and proposals must be brought forward as a matter of urgency.”