14/11/2024
Scottish Government scraps National Care Service plan
First announced by former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in 2021, the flagship policy would have seen the creation of a new dedicated service.
The Scottish Government has abandoned its National Care Service plan.
The proposals were to centralise adult social care and social work in Scotland, making ministers ultimately accountable for their delivery.
However, the plans drew criticism after it emerged that more than £28m had been spent on devising the service since 2021.
Councils and trade unions across Scotland withdrew their support for the plan, and in October, the Scottish Greens announced that they would not support the Bill.
The Scottish Government has ditched the first part of the Bill, which would form the new centralised service but will press ahead with reforms to care home visits and inspections.
Social care minister Maree Todd wrote to the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee on Wednesday to confirm that the Bill would not progress to the next stage this year.
The next step had been due to be considered on November 26.
First announced by former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in 2021, the flagship policy would have seen the creation of a new dedicated service.