Defra review of delivery of veterinary services - UK - Defra is carrying out a review of its arrangements for delivering veterinary services, in order to give the best possible support for the newly developed Animal Health and Welfare Strategy.

Ministers have decided in principle that the State Veterinary Service should leave core Defra and become a Next Steps executive agency, subject to a review of the scope of the new agency. This review will look in particular as to whether the agency should include functions currently carried out by other bodies within Defra, where they play a significant role in implementing the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy.

This review is in line with the ongoing work to improve the relationship between policy and delivery across the Department. It forms another significant element, alongside the major review of Rural Delivery being undertaken by Lord Haskins, in the reorganisation and restructuring processes taking place within the whole Defra family, in order to meet the needs of its customers.

The Department will spend the next two months looking into the practicalities of any changes and how they might improve the efficiency and effectiveness of veterinary service delivery.

Animal Health and Welfare Minister Ben Bradshaw said:

"The Animal Health and Welfare Strategy offers the chance for Government and industry, working together, to restore the UK's reputation for working to the highest standards anywhere in the world.

"The aim of this review is to ensure that the SVS continues to provide a first-rate service to back up this strategy and that it is organised to deliver services in the most effective and efficient way possible."

The initial study will be completed around the end of the year and any recommendations will then be subject to wider consultation with interested parties.

Source: Defra - 28th October 2003