The government has agreed to set up a special independent commission to monitor the transition from centralised to local youth care services.

Junior health minister Martin van Rijn hopes the move, and the promise of more cash, will ensure a majority of senators vote in favour of the switch in responsibilities when the policy comes up for a vote.

The government does not control the senate and some parties had been highly criticial of the plans. In particular, the decision to make local councils responsible for youth psychiatric services has been criticised by doctors and patients.

The new Youth Transition Authority will not only monitor the change but will help local councils ensure they buy in enough care services, Van Rijn said.

The decentralisation of youth care services is one of three major shifts in government responsibilities. Local councils are also being put in charge of long-term care services and employment schemes for the handicapped.