In First Minister’s Questions today, Janet Finch-Saunders AM called on the Welsh Government to look to encourage Local Authorities likely to merge to start working jointly now with Local Health Boards.

The Social Services and Well-Being (Wales) Act 2014 places heavy emphasis on the integration of health and social care services. In particular it allows for arrangements to be made jointly by local authorities, in addition to with local health boards.

The Assembly Member for Aberconwy said: “The need for integrated health and social care services is ever increasing. However, progress in this area has yet to materialise.”

“The Williams Commission highlights how this is so important that it cannot wait for any Local Authority reorganisation. Authorities can start work now by coming together to work on integrating health and social care services. The Welsh Government is ideally placed to promote this collaboration to help deliver better, joined-up services.”

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