The WCC attempted to improve standards of commissioning in the NHS, transferring power from providers to those purchasing services for the local population.
The framework required primary care trusts to separate their provider and commissioning functions and agree service level agreements for these services.
The Department of Health outlined plans to simplify the system of dealing with failing state-owned providers and the different roles of the CQC and Monitor.
The Act established the Care Quality Commission as a new independent regulator for health and social care, taking on the functions of the three previous organisations.
