Statement From The APG On Reform Of Adult Social Care

20 June 2023

The Assembly All Party Group (APG) on Ageing and Older People discussed reform of adult social care at its meeting in March 2023. The APG believes this is a priority area of concern and urges the Department to take the following actions:

• Establish and regularly review a clear implementation plan, with key stages and milestones identified to ensure timely action and meaningful progress;
• Ensure genuine co-production is at the core of all aspects of the implementation process;
• Monitor and provide detailed information on increased demand and need for support along with the number of care packages provided;
• Value and improve the terms and conditions of the social care workforce;
• Set up a cross Departmental Group to ensure a holistic and joined up approach, involving carers and people supported by social care in this work;
• Keep the APG informed of progress on reform of adult social care, including analysis of the true cost of care, any proposals to change current charging arrangements and future planning and commissioning arrangements, such as the introduction of the Integrated Care System in April 2024.

Signed on behalf of the APG on Ageing and Older People by:

Colm Gildernew MLA – Vice Chair, APG on Ageing and Older People 

Additional nformation:

• The Department of Health undertook a public consultation on proposals relating to the Reform of Adult Social Care in NI in 2022:

https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-reform-adult-social-care#:~:text=Consultation%20opened%20on%2026%20January,Closing%20date%2001%20July%202022

• The Department of Health’s Summary and Evaluation of responses to the consultation was published in May 2023:

https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/reform-adult-social-care-consultation-summary-report-published