Questions and Plaudits on Social Services Bill

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ViewsJuly 4th, 2013

The Health and Social Care Committee in the Assembly is currently writing their Stage One report on the Social Services and Well-being Bill. They heard evidence from the Deputy Minister for Social Services, and a range of witnesses including those from the public, third and professional sectors.  

Stage One is about the general principles of the Bill.

Questions have, however, covered almost every aspect of the Bill. Some questions have been asked almost every time – such as whether the vision of ‘voice and control’ has been realised in the Bill. Some sessions however, have gone into more depth. I have listened to the evidence and it’s a lot to take in. 

As I said in January, the Bill is big stuff. Bringing together social care law so that it is on the Welsh statute books. And aiming to put well-being outcomes and ‘voice and control’ for people as central to the delivery of social care, and potentially health, services.   

As a disabled person, living in Wales, I have a vested interest in this Bill. Many people will need some form of social care at some point in our lives. But 48,000 disabled people in Wales could potentially lose out in the transition from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), if the UK Government proceeds with their projected 20 per cent reduction.[1] That’s a lot of people who may need extra support with living their day to day lives. Or in the language of the Bill, fulfilling their well-being outcomes. 

That’s why I am most pleased that the Committee heard from a range of ‘real’ people. Both the representatives of the citizens’ panels and also the range of young people that spoke had some very powerful stories: those with experience of the care system, of transition from child to adult services and young carers.  Some seemed to have found the help they needed at the right time, whilst other had been, and still are, struggling to get the right support.

I think it was important evidence to hear because it’s easy to get lost in the technical detail of this Bill. It’s big. Not just in terms of the scope of legislation in includes, but also because all 100+ pages of legalese are not an easy read: duties; discretionary powers; mays and musts.

After all the evidence some things are much clearer.

But some things remain unclear. For example, the current Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) will disappear. And we haven’t even heard yet about ‘capacity’ – that is your own/family/friends’/neighbours’ capacity to help you meet your well-being outcomes. I’m not entirely sure guilt tripping my ex-boyfriend to take me Tesco sometimes will count.

I don’t envy the Committee, who have, at this point, to report on the evidence they have with a new Chair in place. But it is absolutely critical that this Bill fulfils its potential, and gives voice and control to individuals, as the Deputy Minister intends.

The Stage One Report will be published on the 19th of July.

 

Mary van den Heuvel is Policy and Assembly Officer for Leonard Cheshire Disability Cymru.


[1] Allen, J. “Disability Poverty in Wales”, Leonard Cheshire Disability (2011)

 

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