Labour reveals plan for care sector overhaul

LABOUR has launched a consultation to overhaul Scotland’s “broken” social care system and called for the sector to be run in model similar to the NHS.

The national care service plans by Scottish Labour would improve standards by delivering care through a publicly funding model similar to the National

Health Service, the party has claimed.

Of the 1,080 care homes in Scotland, about 63 per cent are privately run, nearly one-quarter are run by the voluntary or not-for-profit sector, while 1% are publicly owned or run by local councils.

Scottish Labour is also consulting with trade unions and experts as part of its campaign to reform the sector and will draw up proposals for the overhaul during the summer.

During the Covid-19 crisis so far, 46% of Scotland’s 4,173 deaths relating to coronavirus have taken place in care homes, according to the latest data from the National Records of Scotland.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said: “People right across Scotland value social care but they know the current system is broken.

“It is all too clear that Scotland’s fragmented care system needs radical reform.”

He added: “For too long, people have been stuck in hospital because social care wasn’t available, care home residents have been let down, families haven’t been properly supported and staff have not received the pay and conditions they deserve.

“This pandemic has only made the need for reform more urgent and Scottish Labour’s plans for a national care service are needed more than ever.

“So many of us have personal stories of the care sector and I would urge you to share your experiences with us and help shape the future of care in Scotland.”