Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to improve the co-ordination and efficiency of health and social care; and if he will make a statement.

Alistair Burt, Minister of State for Community and Social Care: In 2015/16, the £5.3 billion Better Care Fund is bringing together local authority and National Health Service budgets in every area in England. With health and social care funds combined in pooled budgets, local leaders and clinical experts have worked alongside each other to plan and commission joined-up services across all aspects of the local health and care economy. This coordinated way of working is intended to help areas to deliver services that better fit the needs of their local population, as well as to ensure that the most can be made of the resources available.

| Hansard

7865