Local authority organisation COSLA has today withdrawn support for the Scottish government’s National Care Service Bill.

Its statement said council leaders have concerns about the revised legislation.

The decision will put an end to the controversial deal which would see COSLA share oversight of social care with the NHS and Scottish government within the care service.

COSLA’s Health & Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly said:

“Local government cannot support the amended National Care Service Bill brought forward by Scottish government.

“Local government has been committed to working in partnership with the Scottish Government to develop proposals to deliver a National Care Service, but unfortunately the revised legislation does not effectively represent that partnership.

“Local government is committed to continuing our engagement with key areas of reform which can deliver improved outcomes for people, unpaid carers and our workforce. We cannot, however, offer our support for the legislation brought forward at this stage”

“It is important that the views of people accessing, working in and planning front-line support services are listened to, both with regards to the National Care Service legislation and also the improvements needed to overcome the sustained financial and workforce pressures being experienced across Scotland.”

It comes weeks after COSLA told MSPs leading scrutiny of the revised Bill that it was ‘disappointed’ by many of the changes to the Bill.

This includes an amendment which would see children’s services and justice services included in a National Care Service.

Many other major partners across the sector have also raised concerns about the updated proposals, either in letters to the parliament’s health and care committee or through its recent consultation on the Bill.

At least two trade unions have already pulled their support from the government plans.

The Scottish government has been approached for comment.

Read more: Council care failures echo Shakespearean tragedy; A timeline of the National Care Service ; Fears social work agency lacks teeth

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