Carers to help shape local services
Unpaid carers, disabled people and people with lived experience
of social care will have a say on local services after Scottish
Parliament regulations come into force.
Social Care Minister tabled an
order giving service users and third sector organisations a vote
during integration joint board decision making. This ensures
their perspectives carry equal weight in shaping decisions about
services, such as care in the community to enable people with
disabilities or long term conditions to remain at home.
The 31 boards bring together the NHS and local councils with key
community and service representatives to oversee planning and
delivery of social care and community health services. Until now
only members appointed by the NHS health board and local councils
can vote.
The draft regulations will come into force in September after the
Scottish Parliament's Health, Social Care and Sport Committee's
scrutiny of the legislation concluded today.
Mr Arthur said:
“I am determined to ensure those who access
and support community health and social care
services have an equal say in making decisions
that affect their communities.
“These regulations extend voting rights to unpaid carers, service
users and third sector
representatives, collectively representing the
voice of lived experience. It is
only fair that these voices carry
equal weight alongside other members - to help ensure
local services are funded properly to meet the needs of people.
“People with lived experience provide valuable insight into
challenges and opportunities which should be considered during
planning. This change will bring decision making closer to
the people we all serve. We expect to see more inclusive,
collaborative and improved choices as a result.”
Background
The Public Bodies (Joint
Working) (Integration Joint Boards) (Scotland) Amendment Order
2025
