Scotland’s Council Leaders met today, 31st January 2025, to consider the Scottish Government’s change of approach to the National Care Service Bill. This followed a statement by the Minister for Social Care on 23rd January to deliver change without legislating for structuring reform, with the intention to remove Part 1 of the National Care Service Bill.
Commenting COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, said:
“Today, Council Leaders met to consider the Minister for Social Care’s update on the National Care Service Bill in Parliament on 23rd January.
“Council Leaders have been consistently clear that there is a need for urgent reform and investment in social care in Scotland, to improve outcomes for people across our communities.
“We welcome the Scottish Government’s change of National Care Service approach and we will work with the Scottish Government and partners to consider the details, progress enhanced social care reform and leadership, and deliver change.
“As we move forward, we do so in the context of those working in, and accessing, care support reporting serious sustainability and access challenges across social care. This should not, and need not, be the case. All partners must come together to make the case that social care is a strong investment in our people and our society, and work to shift the paradigm of social care support in Scotland to one built upon strong foundations of human rights and ensuring everyone can flourish and live well.”