Care service reforms ‘to deliver greater choice and quality’

The Department of Health has announced a new programme called Developing Care Markets for Quality and Choice, which will help to deliver a higher standard of service on a local basis.

Under the new scheme, local councils will aim to support the development of care services that meet the needs of all local people, whether those services are funded by an authority or directly by an individual from the area.

Key challenges to be addressed include the provision of a choice of quality service providers and delivery options, as well as improvements to services to ensure they are of the highest possible standard.

The government will work with the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and the Institute of Public Care to find the best ways of supporting councils in these endeavours.

Care and support minister Norman Lamb said: "Everyone's needs are different. We can't have a one-size fits all approach. This new programme will increase choice in the care services provided to them."

Last week, the department announced the completion of a report recommending which health services treating rare and uncommon conditions should be nationally commissioned from April 2013.