Joint funding arrangement case study: Barnsley

Joint funding is an essential element in effective joint commissioning by children's trust partners. This case study illustrates effective practice and suggests innovative local solutions.

£18.5 million has been pooled between Barnsley Metropolitan borough Council and Barnsley Primary Care Trust under a Section 31 (Health Act 1999) pooled budget agreement.

Efficiencies have been identified through a reduction in management costs. Staff are working more effectively together across sectors and are able to share information more easily.

The local authority acts as 'lead' and 'host' for the pooled budget. The social care department is the lead provider on behalf of the local authority.

The pooled budget is used primarily for children's social services and some health services.

This case study has several accompanying annexes:

• Annex 1: Performance
  
  
• Annex 2: Financial Flow Chart
  
  
• Annex 3 Service Perspectice
  
  
• Annex 4 Commissioning
  
  
• Annex 5 Partnership
  
  
• Annex 6 Joint Agency Group Membership

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