Nicola Sturgeon has said a National Care Service would be brought in “immediately” if her party wins the May Scottish Parliament elections and forms the next Scottish government.

Legislation to bring in the social care reform would be introduced in the first year of a new SNP government, the party said.

The Independent Review of Adult Social Care led by former NHSScotland CEO Derek Feeley, which reported in March, recommended the setting up of a new national body answerable to ministers.

Services would be overseen by a network of Integration Joint Boards which would take on more responsibilities.

The proposals by Derek Feeley, which were accepted by the SNP in government, have been criticised by councils who say they take away local accountability over social care.

The First Minister was speaking as she re-announced an SNP campaign promise to scrap non-residential care charges.

This would mean an end to fees for support that is classed as ‘non-personal’ – meaning help with cleaning, community alarms and meal services – with care home accommodation fees the only remaining payment in place.

Ms Sturgeon had previously announced the pledge back in 2019, and it was since recommended by the Independent Review of Adult Social Care.

Derek Feeley’s review estimated that local authorities received just over £50m in non-residential charges in 2019/20 and said it realised that demand for services goes up when fees are reduced.

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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