Local authorities to play key health role

Welsh assembly minister for health and social services Jane Hutt
told delegates that local government’s role in the prevention of
ill-health and promotion of better health would become even
stronger with the restructuring of health services in Wales.

Hutt said the new arrangements would bring together local
government and health interests at the point where essential
decisions were made.

“Over 75 per cent of the health budget will be devolved to local
health boards, and it is essential that members of the board
understand local health needs,” she said. “That is why membership
includes four local authority representatives, one of whom must be
an elected member and one a social services officer.”

Hutt added that protecting and improving health in Wales had never
been higher on the agenda.