Wednesday, 25 January 2012
A stronger voice and real control is one of the principal aims of the new wide-ranging Social Services Bill for Wales, announced by Gwenda Thomas, the Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services.
In an oral statement to the National Assembly, Gwenda Thomas outlined the contents of the bill and her vision for the legislation.
Gwenda Thomas said
“There is no doubt that social services face real pressures from changes in what we all expect of public services, from demographic changes and from increased demand. There are some who are prepared to accept that it is inevitable that fewer and fewer people should get services. I am not one of those.“I believe that if we work more closely with people who need services, if we work with them to understand how we can support them in overcoming the difficulties they face and if we can work with local government to deliver that little bit of help early on, then together we can support people in living their life in they way that they choose.”
The substance of the Bill outlined in the oral statement attached is a key action in the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government and will help to deliver the transformational vision set out by Sustainable Social Services for Wales – A Framework for Action.
Gwenda Thomas added:
“I am sure that the public will want to see and debate the details of the Bill and there will be an opportunity to do so when we launch a full public consultation shortly, with a view to introducing the Bill into the National Assembly in October 2012.“This Bill provides us with the legislative basis that meets the changing needs of the people of Wales. I look forward to engaging widely on our proposals so that we can ensure we have all the tools we need to seize the opportunities ahead.”
Source:
Welsh Assembly Government