The NHS Bodies and Local Authorities (Partnership Arrangements, Care Trusts, Public Health and Local Healthwatch) Regulations 2012

Duty to co-operate

26.—(1) This regulation applies where—

(a) a local authority (“the first body”) is considering a complaint made in accordance with these Regulations; and

(b) it appears to the first body that the complaint contains material which, if it had been sent to another local authority (“the second body”), would be a complaint which would fall to be handled in accordance with these Regulations by the second body.

(2) The first body and the second body must co-operate for the purpose of—

(a) co-ordinating the handling of the complaint; and

(b) ensuring that the complainant receives a co-ordinated response to the complaint.

(3) The duty to co-operate under paragraph (2) includes, in particular, a duty for each body—

(a) to seek to agree which of the two bodies should take the lead in—

(i) co-ordinating the handling of the complaint; and

(ii) communicating with the complainant;

(b) to provide to the other body information relevant to the consideration of the complaint which is reasonably requested by the other body; and

(c) to send a representative to any meeting reasonably required in connection with the consideration of the complaint.