Health quangos threat

Published on Monday 26 July 2010 19:28

THE SCOTTISH Government confirmed that there will be some implications for Scotland of the UK Department of Health's announcement that it wanted to cut the number of health quangos in half to save £180 million.

Yesterday, a government white paper announced plans to reduce the number of arm's-length bodies serving the health service from 18 to either eight or ten.

Although most of the bodies in question work mostly in England and Wales, 14 of those affected have some remit in Scotland. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "We are aware of the changes that the Westminster government have proposed to arm's-length bodies.

"The Scottish Government will ensure that our policy interests continue to be best reflected and are considering how any changes in England would impact on Scotland."

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: "By making sure that the right functions are being carried out at the appropriate level, we will free up significant savings to support frontline NHS services."