To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the reform of adult care and support.

I have asked Departmental officials to bring forward proposals for my consideration, in line with the key objectives for reform as proposed in the ‘Power to People’ report. However, you will appreciate that this work had been significantly interrupted doing the Covid-19 response and progress in 20/21 had been delayed.

A paper which is currently being developed and will be presented to me for consideration by summer 2021, after which, an extensive public consultation will take place.

On 4th May I also announced plans to establish a Social Care Fair Work Forum – The Forum is based on the recognition that delivering fair pay and conditions for the workforce will “improve the lives of workers, enhance the quality of care provision and strengthen the long term resilience of the sector by assisting it to recruit, develop and retain committed, skilled and well-motivated workers”.