Plans to transform the way social care is delivered are being
progressed as part of the Scottish Government's commitment to
improve the experience of everyone who accesses social care,
social work and community health services.
Ahead of Stage 2 proceedings of the National Care Service Bill
later this month, a number of amendments have been lodged, all of
which are subject to Parliament's agreement.
As the National Care Service will now be established through both
legislative and non-legislative means, with reform of social care
at the centre it is proposed the Bill will be known as the “Care
Reform (Scotland) Bill”.
If agreed by Parliament, as amended, the Bill will also bring
forward significant reforms to social care, including:
- Anne's Law being enshrined into legislation to uphold the
rights of people living in adult care homes to see loved ones and
identify an essential care supporter
- ensuring all those working in or supplying services to the
health and social care sector follow the same information
standards allowing easier communication
- the creation of a National Chief Social Work Advisor post, in
statute, to bring strategic leadership at a national level.
The Bill will also retain measures to establish a legal
right to breaks for unpaid carers. Ahead of the legislation, the
Scottish Government has identified an additional £5 million in
the draft 2025-26 Budget to support 15,000 carers to take short
breaks from their caring responsibilities.
Ministers announced in January that legislation to set up a new
public body to oversee national improvements would no longer go
ahead. However, work to establish a National Care Service
Advisory Board is progressing and it is due to meet for the first
time in March.
Social Care Minister said:
”Social care has the power to transform people lives, that is why
it is so important that those accessing services receive the
highest quality care, delivered consistently across Scotland.
“The amendments lodged in Parliament offer us the best
opportunity to urgently get to work to reform the system and have
a transformative impact on people's lives.
“Positive progress is being made on establishing an advisory
board that puts people with experience of the social care system
at the heart of it, helping deliver the changes we all want to
see.”
Background
- An essential care supporter is someone, for example close
relatives or friends, who plays a vital role in providing their
loved ones with regular care and support alongside staff. This
includes companionship, personal support and advocacy.
-
Additional funding for
Short Breaks Fund - gov.scot
