Answering questions at the National Children and Adult Services Conference last week, Balls said he was aware work between the two sectors was "frustrating" in some areas.
John Freeman, joint president of the Association of the Directors of Children's Services, asked Balls what his message to the Health Secretary would be on the "unacceptable variation" of primary care trusts' attitude towards, and funding for, children and young people.
Balls, who shares responsibility for children's health with Health Secretary Alan Johnson, said: "What will matter is what happens on the ground in local areas. I'm not going to deny there is a resource issue for primary care trusts, but we need to develop a culture of joint working on all levels."
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