Local authority leaders in Scotland have withdrawn their support for the Scottish Government’s flagship social care reform bill.
The National Care Service Bill allows for the transfer of a range of social care, social work and community health functions from councils to a new centralised body.
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) said they supported parts of the Bill, including enhanced support for unpaid carers, care home visitation rights and workforce improvements.
However, COSLA Health & Social Care spokesperson, Cllr Paul Kelly, said the revised legislation does not ‘effectively represent’ the partnership working between local government and the Scottish Government.
‘It is important that the views of people accessing, working in and planning front-line support services are listened to, both with regards to the NCS [National Care Service] legislation and also the improvements needed to overcome the sustained financial and workforce pressures being experienced across Scotland.’
Social Care Minister Maree Todd said COSLA’s decision was ‘extremely disappointing’.
‘We have been in detailed negotiations with local government for almost two years and have listened to and acted on their concerns. While there are some areas that are still contentious, walking away from this vital reform shows total disregard for the people we all serve.’
