Scotland’s politicians have unanimously voted to pass legislation to deliver a series of social care reforms. 

The Care Reform (Scotland) Bill was passed through Scottish parliament last night with the support of 116 MSPs.

The legislation will deliver Anne’s Law, which will uphold the rights of care home residents to see their loved ones except in the most extreme circumstances.

An amendment to further centre the right of the care home resident was accepted, placing a duty on care home staff to work collaboratively with residents, their friends and families to facilitate visits ‘in the way that best supports residents’ needs’.

It also establishes a legal right to breaks for unpaid carers, which carers charities have emphasised will require increased resources to meaningfully deliver for carers.

The Bill was passed almost six months following the Scottish government’s decision to scale-back its plans for a National Care Service, as a result of pushback against proposals for structural reform.

Social Care Minister Maree Todd said the government has remained “steadfast in our commitment to deliver the sustainable change to social care that people urgently need”.

She said she will now work with a new advisory group to deliver the changes:

“More than 200,000 people across Scotland access care each year. Anyone may need care during their lives, and that care should be high quality and delivered consistently across Scotland.

“That is why we have been so determined to bring forward much-needed reform, alongside the work we are already doing through the near £2.2bn total investment in social care and integration in 2025-26.

“This is a significant step that will strengthen the rights of people living in care homes, support unpaid carers and social workers and improve experiences for the many people who access social care across Scotland.”

Within the approved legislation, the government has committed to improve access to independent advocacy to guarantee people are involved in decisions about their care.

The Bill will also bring forward a new digital integrated health and care record to be co-designed with partners across health, social care, social work and the public.

This will empower people to access information on their own care and improve the flow of information across care settings.

Meanwhile, a Chief Social Work Adviser role to provide professional leadership and champion the sector is set to be created as part of a National Social Work Agency.

The membership of an advisory board is currently being established to drive progress and scrutinise reform, replacing the interim board that met for the first time last month.

Scottish Labour health and care spokesperson, Jackie Baillie MSP, who had previously been critical of the Bill said the changes needed to care for Scotland’s “most vulnerable is more important than party politics”.

Read more: Care worker visa changes ‘inhumane' and risks services; Scotland's carers report worsening health; Government ‘lacks urgency' on care reforms; Fixing social care funding must be council “priority”; ‘Unprecedented’ crisis in community healthcare; Interim social care reform advisory board; Watchdog criticises homelessness service cuts; Scotland needs more Carer Positive employers; ‘Urgent' review of ADHD and autism services; Care management ‘on its knees’

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