What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the potential Barnett consequentials arising from the UK Government's proposed National Care Service for England, and what consideration has been given to using any additional funding to advance its commitment to establish a National Care Service in Wales?
At this stage, the UK Government has announced its intention to establish a National Care Service in England but has not yet published sufficient detail to enable an assessment of any potential Barnett consequentials.
The UK Government has indicated that implementation of the proposed National Care Service would begin in the next Parliament, following the next General Election. The UK Government has also said the funding arrangements are linked to changes to the State Pension Triple Lock that would not take effect until April 2030.
The Welsh Government is committed to moving towards a National Care Service and will use our existing resources to strengthen social care through consistent standards, improved data collection and better supporting the workforce.