Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Paragraph: 34
Had the pandemic been more clearly under control, we would have recommended repeal of the...
Conclusion
Had the pandemic been more clearly under control, we would have recommended repeal of the Care Act easements at the first six-monthly review. However, the current precarious state of the pandemic, combined with the fragility of the social care system, makes repeal a finely balanced judgement call. Throughout the peak of the pandemic earlier this year, only around five per cent of English local authorities triggered easements to their Care Act duties, and none have been relying on them since early July. There is, however, considerable uncertainty about how the virus might progress through the autumn and winter and what the effects might be on local authorities’ capacity to cope with social care demand.
Paragraph Reference:
34
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
21. The changes to the Care Act 2014 duties on local authorities will be kept under regular review and the Secretary of State will take a decision to suspend them based on expert clinical and social care advice, including findings of the Chief Social Workers, in accordance with the Coronavirus Act 2020. 22. The provisions in the Coronavirus Act are subject to a six-monthly review and renewal vote in the House of Commons. They may be terminated early, if the scientific assessment of the pandemic indicates that this is appropriate. They are also subject to a two-monthly report to Parliament and an annual debate. 23. The Adult Social Care Winter plan published on 18 September sets out the clear and robust steps we are taking to ensure the sector is prepared for winter, and that we protect people who need care, such as disabled people. The full plan is available here: https:// www.gov.uk/government/publications/adult-social-care-coronavirus-covid-19-winter- plan-2020-to-2021/adult-social-care-our-covid-19-winter-plan-2020-to-2021