Commentary on Sections Section 5 – Duty to prepare local strategies
10.This section requires a local authority and a Local Health Board any part of whose area lies within the area of the local authority to jointly prepare and publish a strategy (a “local strategy”) for contributing to the pursuit of the purpose of the Act. There are currently seven Local Health Boards in Wales and their role is to plan, secure and deliver healthcare services in their areas. “Local authority” is defined in section 24(1) and means the council of a county or county borough in Wales.
11.A local strategy may include provision relating to specific action the relevant local authority and Local Health Board expect to be undertaken within the authority’s area by any public authority, any voluntary organisation or other person whose activities are capable of contributing to the pursuit of the purpose of the Act. For example, a third sector domestic abuse service provider in a local authority area may wish to undertake a joint awareness raising campaign with the local authority and relevant Local Health Board. If all parties were in agreement, details of this action could be included in the local strategy for that area.