Commentary on Sections Integration schemes Section 4 – Integration planning principles
16.Section 4 establishes the integration planning principles that must be taken into account when preparing an integration scheme.
17.The effect of subsection (1)(a) is to ensure that decisions about integration of functions take account of the principle that services, for the purposes of carrying out functions that must or may be delegated, are to improve the wellbeing of users of that service.
18.Subsection (1)(b) supplements this by setting out principles for delivery which must also be taken into account in taking decisions about how functions will be integrated. The effect is to ensure a focus on integrated delivery, including consideration of the needs of different service users and different areas, the particular characteristics and circumstances of different service users, the rights of service users, the dignity of service users, the participation by service users in the community in which they live, protecting and improving the safety of service users, improving the quality of services, local planning and leadership, the anticipation of needs and prevention of needs arising, and the effective use of resources.