COSLA comment on Scottish Government social care announcement:

Commenting on the statement made by the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, said:

“COSLA Leaders will discuss and take a position on the National Care Service Bill and what has been set out to Parliament at the end of January.

“Local Government plays a central role in the delivery and commissioning of social care and is committed to working with people and partners to progress reform, achieve the change we collectively wish to see. Over the last 3 years we have been negotiating with the Scottish Government to try and achieve that much needed reform. We have also been highlighting the urgent requirement for investment in social care.

“The focus on the voice of lived experience is crucial. Councillors across Scotland hear people’s experiences and are informed by them every day in the decisions they make.

“We welcome the fact that provisions in the Bill related to care home visitation rights, a right to breaks for carers and a shared single health and care record are going ahead. To ensure that they are taken forward they need to be fully funded.

“I also welcome the fact that the Scottish Government are listening to the many voices who raised concerns about aspects of the legislation and in doing so have set out what appears to be a more promising and positive direction.

“Social care plays a pivotal role in the lives of Scotland’s people, but unfortunately our system faces serious challenges related to investment, access, sustainability, workforce capacity and recognition. Whilst there have been diverging views on the best approach to the badly needed reform, we need to address the challenges we face. I believe there is a shared ambition across Scotland to truly realise a social care system which improves outcomes for people in our communities and enables them to live healthy, fulfilling lives.”