What discussions has the Welsh Government had with local government colleagues regarding demand for social care and the associated increased risks of abuse for those who are not having their social care needs met?
The Welsh Government undertakes weekly engagement with local government Directors of Social Services and a weekly data collection in order to understand demand levels for social care and discuss issues current in the sector.
Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) provide assurance on the quality and safety of care services on behalf of Welsh Ministers and inspects services where there are concerns raised with them about the safety or care of those in children’s homes, adult care homes and receiving domiciliary care. CIW also has a clear role with local authorities to support improvement and has kept in regular contact with senior leaders in social services throughout the pandemic.
The overarching principles and core values underpinning our social care framework are explicit. Local authorities remain under a duty to meet needs in order to protect a person from experiencing or being at risk of abuse or neglect. These duties are well established and understood across local authorities as well as partners across the wider social care sector, ensuring everyone plays a role in maintaining the protections owed to people.