Member

Turning to Amendment 21, we understand the complexity of the pooled funding arrangements. I reiterate that there are existing statutory mechanisms; we just need to ensure through our guidance that they are actually put into place. The National Health Service, the Department of Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Justice are working together very closely now, and we need to make sure that included in this are plans to address systemic barriers and therefore the strengthening of integration. As I have said, it will be locked in throughout. This will of course include testing the effectiveness of the pooled funding arrangements within the existing legal framework, and I can confirm the £15.5 million amount mentioned by the noble Baroness, Lady Tyler. Given the existing statutory mechanisms and the co-ordinated cross-government programme, all linked to improving practice, and the Government’s plans to test practical approaches to pooled funding and integrated support, we therefore believe the amendment is unnecessary for inclusion in the Bill.