§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what regulations govern local authority care commissioning; and what measures are in place to ensure transparency. [98071]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 24 February 2003]: Councils should base their commissioning decisions on the principles of Best Value. They should focus on what 693W will deliver the optimum outcome for service users. Whether councils' commissioning arrangements are fair and open is the subject of Best Value service reviews and reviews by the Audit Commission and the Social Services Inspectorate. These judgements are then published in reports.
We expect local social services and health authorities to adopt the Building Capacity and Partnership in Care Agreement. We published this in October 2001 with the endorsement of local health and social care commissioners and providers. This document provides clear guidance on how to bring about improvements in the planning and commissioning of services in ways that brings confidence and stability to the whole system.