Scottish plans for social care reform

The Scottish Government has made changes to its plans for social care reform.

Ahead of Stage 2 proceedings of the National Care Service Bill later this month, some amendments have been lodged.

A name change has been proposed, as the National Care Service will now be established through both legislative and non-legislative means, with reform of social care at the centre, the Bill will be known as the “Care Reform (Scotland) Bill”.

If parliament agrees the amended Bill, it will bring forward reforms to social care, including Anne’s Law being enshrined into legislation to uphold the rights of people living in adult care homes to see loved ones and identify an essential care supporter; ensuring all those working in or supplying services to the health and social care sector follow the same information standards allowing easier communication; and the creation of a National Chief Social Work Advisor post, in statute, to bring strategic leadership at a national level.

The amended Bill will also retain measures to establish a legal right to breaks for unpaid carers. The Scottish Government has already identified an additional £5 million in the draft 2025-26 Budget to support 15,000 carers to take short breaks from their caring responsibilities.

Social Care Minister Maree Todd said: ”Social care has the power to transform people lives, that is why it is so important that those accessing services receive the highest quality care, delivered consistently across Scotland.

“The amendments lodged in Parliament offer us the best opportunity to urgently get to work to reform the system and have a transformative impact on people’s lives.

“Positive progress is being made on establishing an advisory board that puts people with experience of the social care system at the heart of it, helping deliver the changes we all want to see.”