A new Commission calling for the devolution of health and social care services has been launched today.

The cross-party Health Devolution Commission is backed by five former health ministers and senior professionals from the health and social care sectors.

It will examine if a new model of devolved decision-making is needed to help tackle the increasing demand on the NHS.

Norman Lamb, co-chair of the Commission, said: ‘The habitual response of national politicians - to promise more money for the NHS - is welcome and necessary but it is not sufficient to ensure we have a financially sustainable health and social care system that meets the needs of a growing and ageing population.

‘Against this changing policy landscape, the case for looking at how devolving health could allow for more joined up, long-term solutions is overwhelming.’

The Commission will also explore how should the challenges of accountability, power and control between the NHS and local authorities should be addressed in devolved and integrated systems.