Holyrood Committees seek views on Scottish Government’s proposed National Care Service

The Bill would establish a National Care Service in Scotland with the Scottish Government saying, “it will ensure the best possible outcomes for people accessing care and support and end the ‘postcode lottery’ of care.”

The Bill would allow Scottish Ministers to transfer responsibility for a range of social care services from local authorities to the new National Care Service. This could include adult and children’s services, as well as areas such as justice and social work.

It also proposes that new bodies called “care boards” would be responsible for delivering care locally.

The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee will lead scrutiny of the Bill, but given its wide-ranging nature, other Committees will scrutinise provisions in the Bill.

Speaking as the call for views was launched, Gillian Martin MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “The creation of a National Care Service would see a huge reform in how care is delivered and accessed in Scotland, impacting people and organisations right across the country.

“In our lifetime, most of us will likely both give and receive care, and that’s why it’s absolutely vital that people’s voices are heard in relation to this proposed legislation, whether they have direct experience of receiving or delivering care, or not.

“We want to hear from organisations who will be impacted by these proposals, from staff who deliver care, to unpaid carers, those in receipt of care and the general public, on their hopes but also any concerns or questions they may have. Our consultation is open to all and we look forward to hearing your views.”

As well as proposals for the creation of a National Care Service, the Bill makes other changes including:

• giving rights to people living in adult care homes to see the people important to them (known as “Anne’s Law”)
• allowing information to be shared between the National Care Service and the NHS
• introducing a right to breaks for carers

Let the Committee know your views:

https://yourviews.parliament.scot/health/ncs

The call for views will close on Friday 2 September.