A plan to end charges for non-residential care “as soon as possible” has been promised by the Scottish government and local councils.

Other commitments include drawing up proposals to overhaul support eligibility criteria.

The pledges are part of a joint statement of intent from the government and Coalition of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) following on from February’s independent review of adult social care.

Review lead Derek Feeley called for wide-ranging changes, including the removal of care charges and the setting up of a national care service answerable to ministers.

Today’s statement makes clear disagreement between COSLA and the Scottish government remains over proposals to strip control of social care from local councils.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said reform was never easy and work to iron out disagreements would continue with COSLA, which says “significant discussion” on this area is still needed.

COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson Councillor Stuart Currie said: “It is evident that there is significant discussion needed around the areas in the review that relate to governance and accountability within the report.

“However, COSLA leaders are clear that there is much in the report to be welcomed particularly the principles in relation to empowering people, valuing the workforce and embedding a human rights-based approach in social care.”

Ms Freeman said today’s announcement that care workers would receive the Real Living Wage by May 2020 was evidence of “early action” to implement the review.

The statement of intent says minimum standards for staff terms and conditions will be drawn up by May, along with proposals to ‘support an effective collective bargaining role’ for workers.

It goes on to pledge that outline plans will be in place within six weeks to bring in more support for unpaid carers, reform eligibility rules and incorporate the views of people with experience in care services.

A promise to remove charges for non-residential social care “as soon as possible” is also made.

Ms Freeman said: “The independent review of adult social care report made clear there is much about the current system which can be celebrated but also underlined the need for reform to deliver the services which will allow everyone in Scotland to flourish regardless of their circumstances.

“Radical reform is never easy and I understand COSLA’s concerns around governance and accountability and we will continue to discuss those.

“There is much on which the Scottish government and COSLA agree and by working closely together on the fundamental principals in the report we will overcome the obstacles to build a world leading care service.”   

Read more: “Significant” cash boost for Independent Living Fund; Councils voice “grave concern” with care review; ‘Top down’ care review plans branded ‘huge mistake’

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