ERoSH is backing the Law Commission’s calls for reforming adult social care law, which will develop clearer approaches to the delivery of social care services to vulnerable people.
In its recommendations the Law Commission has set out plans for a new national care system which would ensure a minimum level of support that every council in England and Wales must offer to adults who are frail or disabled.
The move, which is one of the most significant overhauls of social care in 60 years, would stop local authorities cost-cutting by reducing the level of housing and support services for older people.
Legal duty would be placed on councils to protect vulnerable adults from abuse and grants for individuals to spend on care home places, as well as to provide more support for relatives who help look after older relatives.
ERoSH chair Domini Gunn-Peim said: “ERoSH welcomes the Law Commission’s recommendations. We welcome in particular the intention to review current legislation and develop more coherent approaches to the delivery of social care services to vulnerable people.
“The proposal to place some of the principles already at the heart of the delivery of the best sheltered housing and housing related support services, such as well-being and safeguarding, on a statutory footing is a positive development.
“We hope that the absence of any clear recognition of the importance of good and appropriate housing with support for vulnerable people will be addressed and would welcome opportunities to contribute to the further development of the proposals in the future. Housing with support must be a critical component in meeting the care and support needs of vulnerable people in the proposed community care assessments.”
ERoSH welcomes also the insertion to the definition of ‘adult at risk’ reference to health as well as social care needs (previously health was excluded in the definition). In addition, in the ‘adult at risk’ definition the term ‘risk of significant harm’ has been changed to ‘risk of harm’ which we are pleased with. However, we are still concerned that the report contains no new ‘power of entry’ but leaves it up to the Government to decide whether such powers are needed.
The CIH has produced a briefing on the report on adult social care which is available to members.
Community Care has also published a useful guide to the proposals, which may be of use to members.
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