The Committee on Local Authority and Allied Personal Social Services, chaired by Lord Frederic Seebohm, recommended the amalgamation of functions including social care to form a single social services department.
The Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 received royal assent, enabling local authorities to employ voluntary organisations to promote the welfare of old people, and make charges for such arrangements.
The report of the committee of inquiry into allegations of ill–treatment of patients and other irregularities at the Ely Hospital in Cardiff recommended a system of inspection for hospitals.
Leglislation required local authorities to provide a range of services. Including practical assistance and home adaptations to people with disabilities, learning disabilities or mental illness.
Following the recommendations of the Seebohm Commission in 1968, legislation required every local authority to establish a single social services department, emphasising 'the need for a co-ordinated and comprehensive approach to social care'.
The white paper, published in June 1971, outlined a desire to move away from caring for people with 'mental handicap' in institutional settings and to increase the provision of local and community care.
A change of government and a change of secretary of state led to the white paper. This outlined significant structural and administrative reform of the health system.
The Act gave effect to the structural and administrative reform of the health system outlined in the 1972 white paper on National Health Service reorganisation.
