Adult care and support reforms outlined in Queen’s Speech

The government has outlined plans to modernise the adult care and support system in England in the Queen's Speech this week.

A draft bill has been announced that proposes to modernise the legal framework for care and support, including a number of structural changes, based on recommendations from the Law Commission.

Health Education England and the Health Research Authority would both be established as non-departmental public bodies and a London Health Improvement Board would be created, while industry experts will be extensively consulted on the changes.

The aim of these reforms will be to ensure local authorities can tailor services to meet regional needs, simplify processes and consolidate existing laws, while ensuring patients have a better idea of what is on offer.

According to the government, this will prove vital in "putting people in control of their care and giving them greater choice, building on progress with personal budgets".

This will tie in with efforts to improve access to information and choice among patients outlined in the recent Health and Social Care Act.