Two leading think-tanks have joined the calls for the integration of health and social care budgets in a bid to radically overhaul the current system.

A report published today (3 April) by the Commission on the Future of Health and Social Care in England recommends a single, ring-fenced budget for health and social care, with services singly commissioned.

The Commission, which was set up by the King's Fund, warned there is currently a lack of alignment in funding between the NHS and local government, with health budgets ring-fenced and council budgets subject to significant cuts.