Social services chiefs’ dismay at exclusion

Social care leaders have expressed disappointment at their exclusion from a panel appointed to advise the government on the restructuring of primary care trusts.

Just one of the 10 appointees – Liverpool Council chief executive David Henshaw – is from local government, and none are from social care.

John Dixon, co-chair of the Association of Directors of Social Services’ disabilities committee, said: “It would have been good to have someone from a social services department specifically. It’s a missed opportunity.”

The health select committee is to hold an inquiry into the reforms, while Labour MP Judy Mallaber has laid down an early day motion questioning their substance and “rushed timetable”.

And the English Community Care Association is holding a poll on the restructuring. Visit www.ecca.org.uk