Explanatory Notes

Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014

2014 asp 9

1 April 2014

Commentary on Sections

Part 1.Functions of Local Authorities and Health Boards

Implementation of integration scheme

Section 12 – Integration joint boards: further provision

36.This section enables the Scottish Ministers to make further provision about integration joint boards.

37.Subsection (1) gives the Scottish Ministers powers to make provision by order about the membership, proceedings and powers of integration joint boards; the supply of services or facilities to integration joint boards by a local authority or Health Board; the establishment of committees by integration joint boards; the operation of committees of integration joint boards, the delegation of functions conferred upon integration joint boards by an integration scheme to the chief officer, any member of its staff or any committee; and any other matter as the Scottish Ministers think fit in relation to the establishment or operation of integration joint boards.

38.Subsection (2) provides for flexibility in the use of the power in subsection (1). By virtue of subsection (2)(a) an order may be made under section 12(1) containing the type of provision mentioned in paragraphs (c) to (h) which applies only to a single, or some, integration joint boards as well as to all integration joint boards. By virtue of (2)(b) an order made under section 12 may make different provision in relation to different integration joint boards.

39.Subsection (3) requires the Scottish Ministers to consult with the Health Board, local authority and integration joint board, before making an order under subsection (1).

40.Subsection (4) provides for the Scottish Ministers to make schemes for the transfer to an integration joint board of staff, property, rights, liabilities, or obligations of their constituent authorities. This power may be exercised to support the delivery of delegated functions by the integration joint board, where that is considered appropriate. Subsection (5) requires the Scottish Ministers to consult with the relevant integration joint board, relevant Health Board and local authority before making a scheme under subsection (4).

41.Subsections (6) and (7) require the Scottish Ministers, before making a scheme under subsection (3) which relates to staff, to consult with health professionals, social care professionals and other groups of persons prescribed by regulations whom the Scottish Ministers consider to have an interest.