Greater local control over healthcare to be delivered

New government plans have been announced that will see local councils take a more proactive role in making changes to healthcare service provision.

Due to come into force in April 2013, the plans will ensure any changes to local healthcare are more transparent and are overseen and considered by regional authorities, extending to all providers from hospitals to charities and independent organisations.

Bodies that intend to make substantial service changes will be compelled to provide a clear timescale for their plans, while councils will assess the financial stability of any reforms that are due to take place.

Meanwhile, the NHS Commissioning Board will play a key role in liaising with authorities and commissioners to secure local agreement on some service reconfigurations.

Health minister Lord Howe said: "We want them to be at the heart of planning, delivery and any changes to healthcare services."

These comes as part of reforms taking place as part of the government's wide-ranging Health and Social Care Act, which was granted royal assent earlier this year.