WIREDGOV

At the National Social Services Conference in Llandudno, Gwenda Thomas issued a policy statement to set the direction for regulation and inspection in Wales, which will be the basis for a white paper to be published in the autumn.

The First Minister previously announced that a bill would be laid before the National Assembly in 2015, with a white paper in 2013.

The Deputy Minister said:

“We have achieved much and are ready to take the next step. The foundation of social services has been changed through our Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Bill and now the regulatory framework needs to reflect this.

“We have a great opportunity to make a real, positive and enduring difference to people’s lives. By simplifying the law and slashing bureaucracy we can create a solid foundation for a generational change for social services in Wales, a change that will make them sustainable not only in the coming years, but in the coming decades.”

In her speech, the Deputy Minister also announced that she would be making £1.5 million available to deliver sustainable social services priorities during the implementation of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Bill. This includes funds to support local authorities as they make the transition to new arrangements for social services.

Also speaking at the conference, Health Minister Mark Drakeford, said:

“Social services are vitally important to the people in Wales and I welcome the policy statement published by the Deputy Minister today to introduce stronger, more robust legislation to regulate those who provide care.

“Integration of health and social services is fundamental to deliver the best possible outcomes for all. By working together we can make services sustainable and of the very best quality. This is a top priority for the Welsh Government, and one which I continue to drive forward.”