Member

Turning to Amendment 252, I would like to reassure the noble Lord also that the Government understand the importance of evaluating the regional care co-operative pathfinders. A five-year evaluation of their impact and effectiveness is already under way. The first report was published in November, with further reports to be published annually. The department has utilised feedback from these reports and from both pathfinders to inform policy development, one example being to ensure that areas spend time building a strong foundation through data sharing and market analysis before moving to delivery. Furthermore, as stated in Committee and in accordance with Clause 67(5), the Bill will come into force on the day appointed by the Secretary of State, made by regulations. Clause 66(6) of the Bill allows for different commencement dates for different areas for different purposes. We will continue to use evaluation and pathfinders to ensure that that happens at the appropriate time and in a way that is most likely to achieve success.