Scottish Government ‘sluggish’ in making social care changes

24 Aug 2017

SNP ministers have been “sluggish” in implementing changes to health and social care, the Scottish Conservatives have said.

A report by Audit Scotland stated while some progress had been made in implementing Self-directed Support, there was still more to be done.

The organisation added that the decade-long strategy was now in its seventh year, yet many service users were still to experience change.

Launched in 2010, the SDS initiative was designed to allow individuals and families, rather than social workers, to make the majority of decisions in relation to their care.

It was argued at the time that this would improve a number of areas, including dignity for service users and the ability to make informed choices.

Shadow health secretary Miles Briggs said the move to give people more choice over the health and social care support they need was welcome, but far too many were still awaiting the chance to take control.

Age Scotland added that people need more information relating to how they can access that personal support.

Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary Miles Briggs said:

“The change to allow people to have more control over the support they received was welcome.

“However, the Scottish Government has been sluggish in ensuring this option is available to everyone.

“It would appear from the Audit Scotland findings that, having made this change in legislation, the SNP has taken its foot off the gas.

“As the auditors note, we are now seven years into a 10-year strategy, but it’s a strategy which – as it stands – is leaving far too many people behind.

“It’s clear the Scottish Government needs to do more to support these vulnerable people.”