Scottish Government scraps National Care Service plan

The Scottish Government has rolled back on its plans for a National Care Service in the face of widespread opposition.

The post-Covid initiative was announced by Nicola Sturgeon's administration as a means of improving provision of services across the country.

Around £30m was spent on preparatory work but unions, councils and opposition parties withdrew their support.

Now social care minister Maree Todd has said the Scottish Government is still committed to driving up standards.

But "structural reform" will now be pursued instead of the ambitious plan that was likened to the inception of the National Health Service.

Todd told MSPs she will drop the first part of the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill, which would have delivered regional care boards reporting to ministers.

An advisory body will be established instead.

Todd said: "We made considerable effort to find compromise and a way forward but it is clear those proposals are not supported by this chamber. I have concluded that we must deliver our Scottish National Care Service without legislating for structural reform, securing a different means to deliver our goals."

Conservative MSP Sandesh Gulhane, a GP, branded the SNP administration "a shower of charlatans", saying Todd's announcement "amounts to flagship failure".

Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: "It’s been three years since this bill was introduced — three cabinet secretaries and two ministers later, it’s clear this government has lost its way.

"The SNP has spent £2m on private consultants such as KPMG and PWC, but not a single penny of the £30m wasted in total on this bill has gone on frontline care services.

 "That money could have paid for a million extra hours of social care, stopped care homes closing, or prevented cuts to care packages. 

 "Scottish Labour welcomes the remaining provisions, but it's clear that the National Care Service is no more — what a waste of time and money without making a single improvement to social care or difference to Scots' lives."

Todd told the chamber she had "reflected" on feedback gathered by the government and committees and the intention is to enshrine Anne's Law on standards on visiting for care homes in primary legislation. Improvements to digital services are also planned, as is a right to breaks for unpaid carers.

She said: "Throughout my conversations with people, the case for reform has remained clear. Despite the best efforts of many, our social care system is not delivering the care and support people require to live and thrive. There is an overwhelming need for change now. 

"I also note that in England and Wales, similar discussions are underway and there is rising momentum for national approaches."