To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the oral answer to the hon. Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Julia Goldsworthy) of 24 April 2007, Official Report, column 777, on cost shunting, whether she plans to discuss the opportunities afforded by local government reform with her Cabinet colleagues in (a) the Department for Communities and Local Government, (b) the Cabinet Office and (c) other departments. (134990)

The Department, like all Government Departments with an interest in local government issues, will continue to work together to develop and implement the vision for local government set out in the White Paper “Strong and Prosperous Communities” that was published on 26 October 2006. The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill proposes to implement much of the White Paper. The Bill will enhance local leadership on health and well-being and make it easier for local authorities and national health service bodies to work together in delivering integrated health and social care services to citizens.