Our response to this was the creation of a strategic commissioning strategy to set out the challenge ahead and identify seven key aims which will enable us to meet the challenge. The strategy sets out a comprehensive vision and approach to delivering services to meet the changing needs of the County's population over the next 15 years (2007-2022). The seven key aims of the strategy are:

• Equal access for all
  All adults will have equal access to universal services (for example, sports, leisure, cultural, educational, training and employment services);
• Preventing dependence
  Dependence on statutory services will be reduced or prevented by investing in easy-to-access support services for people who have emerging social care needs;
• More effective commissioning for better outcomes
  We will commission services for the results that people value most, namely those that are responsive, respectful and enhance individual choice and dignity;
• The right place to live
  There will be a range of affordable and appropriate housing available to meet people's needs in North Yorkshire;
• Joint commissioning for wellbeing
  The wellbeing of individuals and communities will be improved by joint planning and commissioning of services;
• Choice and control
  People will have choice and control over the way their support needs are met and will be able to make informed choices relating to their independence and wellbeing; and
• Independent living
  People will be supported to live as independently as possible in their own homes through innovative design and equipment.

Strategic commissioning is defined by the Audit Commission as "the process of specifying, securing and monitoring services to meet people's needs at a strategic level. This applies to all services, whether they are provided by the local authority, NHS, other public agencies, or by the private and voluntary sectors".

You can find more details of the "Strategic commissioning for independence, wellbeing and choice" strategy by downloading the documents below.