Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what criteria are given to local authorities on the use of the better care fund.

Local Authorities are required to develop Better Care Plans with Clinical Commissioning Group Partners. These are agreed by local Health and Wellbeing Boards and approved by NHS England. Plans must meet the national conditions set out in the Better Care Fund Policy Framework, published by Government; and take account of Planning Guidance issued jointly by NHS England and the Local Government Association.

The Policy Framework for 2016/17 can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/490559/BCF_Policy_Framework_2016-17.pdf

The Planning Guidance can be found at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/annex4-bcf-planning-requirements-1617.pdf