ALLIANCE briefing for Scottish Parliament debate on Independent Review of Adult Social Care

This paper welcomes the recommendations of the Independent Review of Adult Social Care and calls on the Scottish Government to take action.

The ALLIANCE welcomes the Independent Review of Adult Social Care report, which was based on extensive engagement with the public, independent and third sectors, and people with lived experience. A considerable amount of engagement was facilitated by the ALLIANCE.

There is much to be commended in the Review report, including the strong focus on:

• Reframing social care as an investment instead of a burden
• Equality and human rights at the heart of social care
• Prevention and early intervention
• Closing the implementation gap between policy and practice
• Greater empowerment for people accessing social care
• Unpaid carers rights and requirements
• Self-directed Support and the Independent Living Fund
• More independent advocacy and brokerage services, including peer services
• Commissioning for social good
• A gendered approach to social care and Fair Work
• Removing non-residential care charges
• Increased spending on social care, as an investment in the Scottish economy

The ALLIANCE recommends that the next Scottish Government appoint a dedicated Minister for Social Care and implement the Review’s recommendations as a priority.

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