It will not be possible to estimate the cost of setting up the new arrangements until the development work has been completed. However, we do not expect the cost of running it to be greater than that of the existing system.We plan to consult widely on the role of the new Scotland Health Council, which we see as having three main functions:to ensure that the voices of patients and the public are heard by NHSScotland bodies and that these services respond to these views;to develop good practice so that the public, patients and local communities are fully involved in all decisions affecting the delivery of health services, andto support patients, carers and the public develop the capacity to make their views known.