Extra funding to be provided for NHS Right to Request scheme

The Department of Health has allocated an additional 4.4 million pounds to support NHS organisations wishing to establish social enterprises via the Right to Request scheme.

Proposals announced by health secretary Andrew Lansley will see the additional funds provided to the 32 projects that are becoming self-managing social enterprises during the third wave of the initiative, which was originally launched in 2008.

The move will involve the transfer of around 900 million pounds worth of services into the social enterprise sector, including primary care access schemes, bereavement support programmes and sexual health services.

According to the government, the move will allow the bodies involved to gain more independence in decision-making, freeing them from red tape and facilitating resource management.

Mr Lansley said: "This is about a fundamental power shift, taking power from Whitehall and placing it in the hands of frontline staff who know best the needs of their communities."

Earlier this month, the health secretary outlined plans to pilot the provision of independent Social Work Practices for adult social care.