Overview

This bill aims to improve social care provision in England by placing duties on local authorities to ensure sufficient social care services are available for disabled people and carers. It also mandates the identification and support of carers by health bodies, and introduces measures to support young carers in schools and further/higher education.

Description

The bill establishes several key duties:

• Duty to Ensure Sufficient Social Care Support (Section 1): Local authorities must ensure sufficient social care services meet the reasonable needs of disabled people and carers in their area.
• Duty to Support Work and Education (Section 2): Local authorities must provide social care services to enable disabled adults and carers to work or pursue education/training leading to work.
• Duty to Assess Social Care Provision (Section 3): Local authorities must assess social care needs and the sufficiency of services, publishing a strategy for improvement.
• Health Promotion of Carers (Section 4): Health bodies must promote carers' well-being, identify potential carers, and provide information and support.
• Duties Regarding Young Carers (Sections 5 & 6): Local authorities, schools, and further/higher education institutions must identify young carers and provide support.

The bill defines key terms like "carer," "young carer," and "disability," drawing upon existing legislation. It also specifies that the Secretary of State can issue guidance and regulations to clarify these duties. The bill will amend the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970.

Government Spending

The bill states that any increase in government spending resulting from its implementation will be funded from money provided by Parliament (Section 7). No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Disabled people: Will benefit from potentially improved access to social care services tailored to their needs.
• Carers: Will benefit from improved identification, support, and access to services designed to improve their well-being.
• Young carers: Will receive increased support and identification in schools and educational institutions.
• Local authorities: Will face new responsibilities for assessing and providing sufficient social care, potentially requiring increased resources and strategic planning.
• Health bodies (NHS): Will be responsible for identifying and supporting carers, potentially increasing their workload.
• Schools and further/higher education institutions: Will need to develop policies and processes for identifying and supporting student carers.

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