Wales sets out six priorities for a National Care Service
A National Care Service programme published by the Welsh Government sets out six priorities for reforming social care, with more consistent support across Wales as its stated aim. The announcement on Monday 19 October covers leadership, funding, careers for care workers, digital services, prevention and safeguarding, and better connections between services.
What the programme promises
Ministers say the work will involve people receiving support, unpaid carers, care workers, councils and providers. The aim is to improve access to joined-up care wherever someone lives. Deputy Minister for Social Care Delyth Jewell said growing demand required lasting changes to services and the workforce. The programme is intended to guide work during this Senedd term as part of a longer-term National Care Service vision.
What remains unspecified
The release does not give an additional funding total, a launch date for a single national service, or a new entitlement to free care. It should not be read as announcing that existing services have already been replaced. For people arranging support, the immediate news is the government’s reform programme. Detailed delivery measures, budgets and any changes to individual entitlements will need to be checked against subsequent published decisions.
Background and supporting figures
Where this sits
Delivery partnership includes supported people, unpaid carers, workers, councils and providers.
Work during this Senedd term is part of a longer-term National Care Service vision.