Council response to news of delays to National Care Service legislation

The Leader and Deputy Leader of Aberdeenshire Council have responded to the latest updates on the development of the proposed National Care Service (NCS) in Scotland. 

It has been reported in the media within the last few days that the bill which Ministers first drafted three years ago has been further delayed.

Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, Cllr Gillian Owen, said: “We have been very clear in our opposition to what is set out in the draft legislation – a position reflected by many other councils and by COSLA at a national level.  

“We support any strategy which would address challenges in the sector, but we do not feel this bill does that. It is our view that the NCS appears to centralise government control over local services, rather than tackle the fundamental issues. 

“I would urge ministers in the strongest possible terms to use this ‘delay’ to fundamentally rethink the proposals around this potentially damaging legislation and take account of the overwhelming tide of strong feeling on the draft bill as it currently stands.”  

Deputy Leader Cllr Anne Stirling added: “We have significant issues with this which, as we see, seeks to give Ministers the sole responsibility for setting and overseeing the sector. It is still our view that the NCS would be a tool for increasing central government’s influence rather than a genuine way to improve social and community services. 

“Aberdeenshire Council believes that improvement happens when the people who deliver services locally are empowered and supported by leaders at all levels around them and I am hopeful this pause can be the catalyst for a complete rethink.”