Overview

The Health and Care Bill amendments primarily focus on workforce planning for health and social care services in England, the Secretary of State's powers regarding NHS reconfigurations, and ensuring ethical procurement practices within the NHS supply chain. Amendments also concern the charging of adults for social care costs.

Description

Workforce Reporting:

The bill mandates that the Secretary of State provide a report to Parliament at least every three years assessing current and future workforce needs across health, social care, and public health services in England. This report must include independently verified assessments of workforce numbers and projections, taking into account long-term fiscal projections. NHS England and Health Education England will assist in the report's preparation, involving consultations with relevant stakeholders.

Secretary of State Powers:

The Secretary of State retains powers to scrutinize and intervene in NHS reconfigurations, subject to certain conditions outlined in the amendments regarding regulations and the need for reasonable grounds to believe reconfigurations are in the best interests of patients.

NHS Supply Chains:

The amendments introduce a review into the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking in NHS supply chains, particularly focusing on cotton-based products. Regulations will also ensure procurement avoids modern slavery. A previous amendment regarding genocide prevention in sourcing has been replaced with this modern slavery focus.

Social Care Charging:

Amendments significantly revise provisions related to determining costs for charging adults for social care. The changes aim to clarify cost calculation methods, including costs borne by local authorities, and introduce a cap on care costs for disabled adults under 40.

Government Spending

The amendments don't directly specify a cost impact on government spending, but the mandated workforce planning and potential interventions in NHS reconfigurations could result in indirect cost implications depending on the outcomes of the reviews and reports. The changes to social care charging could potentially alter government spending depending on how much is saved or increased by different policies.

Groups Affected

• Health and Social Care Workers: The workforce planning aspects directly impact these workers, influencing future job prospects and resource allocation.
• NHS Trusts and Providers: Reconfiguration powers and ethical procurement requirements will affect operational decisions and practices.
• Patients: Changes in NHS reconfigurations and social care costs affect patient access and quality of care.
• Suppliers to the NHS: Ethical sourcing requirements could impact suppliers' operations and business models.
• Disabled Adults under 40: The cap on care costs will directly benefit this group, reducing their financial burdens.
• Local Authorities: The amendments impact local authority responsibilities and financial obligations related to social care.

Powered by nyModel