Social Care News

Social care proposals set for White Paper in 2013

Proposals on the regulation of social care services have been dropped from the Social Services (Wales) Bill and will now be the subject of a White Paper in 2013, the Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, has announced.

The proposals will form the basis of a bill on social care regulation separate from the Social Services Bill which is now set to be published in early 2013.

CFW's vice chairman, Mike Kemp, welcomed the announcement saying: "We are pleased that Assembly members will now be able to give social care regulation and inspection their undivided attention as this will now come under a separate bill. We hope this will enable them to look at the very important issues surrounding social care in a focused way."

The Minister made the announcement during a major social services conference in Llandudno last week (June 28-29). 

Speaking at the conference Ms Thomas said: "We have decided not to include the proposals for regulation and inspection of social care services and workforce which had originally planned to be included in the [Social Services (Wales) ] Bill.

"This will now be the basis of a White Paper next year, setting out proposals for a separate Bill on regulation.”

The Welsh Government will published a detailed response to the Social Services bill consultation in July. Explaining why the bill is being delayed she said:  â€œI am grateful for the large number of responses to our recent consultation on the forthcoming Social Services (Wales) Bill. This is a significant achievement that indicates how much people value social services.

"The responses have given us a lot to think about and to ensure we get this vital piece of legislation right it has been agreed the Bill will be introduced to the National Assembly at the beginning of 2013.

"We must fully consider the important issues raised" she added.