Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Accepted
New social care payments system faces significant delivery risks, rated 'amber
Conclusion
When asked when the payments system would be ready, the Department told us that it was aiming for summer 2024 but that delivery was “at risk”. The Department described the system as “difficult”, “complex” and “novel” which, we noted, sent “chills down our spine”.61 The Department has since confirmed that the payments system is rated ‘amber’, meaning that successful delivery is feasible but there are still significant issues that the Department is addressing.62 Assessing progress with reforms
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and confirms the payments system is on track to begin making payments from the end of June 2024, with a phased approach for specific funds and qualifications. It commits to updating the Committee on fund take-up before the end of the 2024-25 financial year.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2024 5.2 The department would like noted that not all workforce reform projects are associated with this payment system and work to deliver reforms has progressed ahead of the payment system being available. 5.3 The department is planning to provide updates on progress of the payments system and the workforce reform projects associated with it. 5.4 The department recently published guidance setting out the scope and eligibility criteria for training and development for which employers will be able to apply for funding support. This has provided employers with information to support their workforce training plans ahead of the payment system going live. 5.5 The payment system is on track to start making payments from the end of June 2024 with a phased approach to bringing specific funds online, ensuring that the largest proportion of allocated funding for the sector is made available first. From June 2024 employers will be invited to submit claims for the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification, and against a targeted list of training courses and other qualifications set out in the guidance. Support for Continuing Professional Development specifically for regulated professionals such as nurses and occupational therapists will follow. 5.6 The department will update the Committee on Fund take-up before the end of the 2024-25 financial year.