Section 26 – Directions by integration authority
69.Subsection (1) provides that, where the integration authority is an integration joint board, it must provide directions to the Health Board and local authority for the carrying out of the delegated functions.
70.Subsection (2) applies where the integration authority is not an integration joint board, i.e. it is a local authority or a Health Board. This enables the integration authority to give directions to the other bodies who prepared the integration scheme for the carrying out of any delegated functions. The giving of directions is not mandatory under this subsection. This enables an integration authority which is not an integration joint board to choose to carry out functions itself, or to issue a direction in respect of the carrying out of the function. Where an integration scheme was prepared by more than one local authority, this subsection allows the integration authority to direct one of the local authorities to carry out a function for the entire area covered by the integration scheme.
71.Subsection (3) provides that the person to whom a direction may be given under subsection (1) or (2) must provide such information to the integration authority as is necessary to enable the integration authority to decide whether or not to give a direction and the content of any direction. This seeks to ensure that such information as is necessary for effective strategic planning is shared between the integration authority, the Health Board and the local authority.
72.Subsections (4) and (5) provide that a direction can be given to more than one person, i.e. an integration joint board can give a direction to both the Health Board and the local authority, and that such a direction can require each party to: carry out the functions jointly, in part or in relation to a specified area, or do particular things in relation to the function.
