New inspectorate for social care announced

The new National Care Standards Commission is to be merged with
the Social Services Inspectorate, health secretary Alan Milburn has
announced.

In a surprise move, Milburn said the new ‘Commission for Social
Care Inspection’ would probably start work next April. The existing
care standards commission was established at the beginning of April
this year.

He said the new commission would inspect all social care
organisations, including social services departments.

Appointments to the commission would be made by the Independent
Commission for Public Appointments, he said.

The establishment of a new unified commission was recommended by
Derek Wanless in his report on the NHS for this week’s Budget. It
will be expected to work closely with a similar body set up to
inspect the NHS.