Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007

The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 received royal assent on 30 October 2007.

The Act introduced a requirement for local authorities and primary care trusts (PCTs) to prepare a joint strategic needs assessment (JSNA), covering the health and social care needs of the population.

The Act enabled the creation of local involvement networks (LINks), which replaced patients' forums and the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in 2008. The intention was to help strengthen the voice of local people who had opinions and concerns relating to their health and social services.

LINks' functions included seeking people's views on services, investigating specific areas and issues and conducting spot-checks.

Later developments

LINks ceased to operate and their functions were taken over (and expanded) by local Healthwatch organisations from 2013.