Social Care: Legislation

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff Excerpts

Monday 11th June 2012 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, this is the first reform of social care law in more than 60 years. It is a unique opportunity to get the legal framework right. That is why we have deliberately taken time to engage fully with those who have experience and expertise in care and support. Many people in the sector have called explicitly for scrutiny on a draft Bill, so publishing a Bill in this way demonstrates our commitment to working in partnership. We remain absolutely committed to introducing legislation at the earliest opportunity in this Parliament to establish a sustainable legal framework for adult social care. The draft Bill will be the critical next step in delivering the reform agenda.

[Baroness Finlay of Llandaff]

Will the Government reassure us that in considering adult social care they will also take into account the transitional needs of children with very complex needs as they grow older and transition to adult care, because many of them are in the last phase of their illness and will die in early adulthood?

[Earl Howe]

The noble Baroness raises the key issue of transition, which will be covered in the forthcoming White Paper.