A NORTH-East authority has agreed to create a new position to lead a programme aimed at integrating social care and health services.

The new director of integrated community services at Durham County Council will help develop the Health and Social Care Plan for County Durham.

They will work with both the council and and NHS to manage the delivery of integrated community health and social care services.

The next phase of the plan includes developing a joint strategic commissioning function and to implement new integrated governance arrangements.

The new programme is aimed at making faster improvements in care, using collective resources more efficiently and improving health outcomes.

The appointed person will be paid £130,000, which is funded by the Better Care Fund.

It replaces the director of integration role, which means it is cost neutral.

All new positions which are paid more than £100,000 must be approved by the council.