§ Lord Jenkin of Rodingasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why they did not consult the representative bodies of local authorities before announcing their proposed reforms to tackle delays in discharging older people from hospital; and [HL46]
12WAWhy they will not reconsider the principles of their proposed reforms announced in April to tackle delays in discharging older people from hospital in the light of the representations from the Local Government Association and others. [HL47]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath)The bodies representing local government and directors of social services have been key stakeholders in the development of the policy on social services reimbursing the National Health Service for delays that are their responsibility. Both they and their members had an opportunity to comment on the proposals that were issued for consultation in July. Subsequently, they have both been involved in regular stakeholder meetings and, in the case of the Local Government Association, put their views direct to Ministers.
The announcement of an additional £100 million per full year for three years for social services to tackle delayed discharges demonstrates that the Government do listen to their views and the views of others. However, we believe that a system of reimbursement is the right way to tackle the problem and will give health and social care communities the right incentives to do so.