Devolved health and care pilots to be launched in London

A series of pilot programmes are to be launched in London to assess the workability of a new, devolved approach to health and care provision in the capital.

Unveiled by chancellor George Osborne and health secretary Jeremy Hunt, the health devolution agreement was signed with London health and civic leaders to allow the city to begin the process of taking control of its own affairs.

Haringey, for example, will run a prevention pilot exploring how planning and licensing flexibility can be used to develop new approaches to public health issues, while Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge will work to develop an accountable care organisation.

Meanwhile, north central London will be trialling new approaches to collaboration on asset use, Lewisham will work to integrate physical and mental health services alongside social care, and Hackney seeks to fully integrate health and social care budgets to ensure joint provision of prevention-focused services.

Mr Hunt said: "There is a huge amount of good practice and innovation in London health and care services. This exciting new deal will help improve services even further for Londoners."