§ Mr. TruswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received regarding proposals for local authorities to undertake the commissioning of health services; and if he will make a statement. [115437]
§ Jacqui Smith"Care of older people" has been identified as one of the themes for the work programme of the Innovation Forum, which brings together excellent councils and Government, to pioneer ways of delivering better public services for local communities. An initial proposal suggested reducing hospital admissions for older people through improved strategic commissioning of services by a council, on behalf of the local national health service and council. This will be taken forward in a few pilot areas as part of the work of the forum.