To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 27128/17-22, what assessment has been made of whether independent care providers, providing care in the community, are less likely to take on rural clients, given the rate they are paid remains the same, regardless of travel time to and from an appointment.

No specific assessment has been undertaken of whether independent providers are less likely to take on rural clients. Care packages are offered out to the independent sector on an equitable basis, allowing providers to make a decision on whether they are able or willing to deliver the care specified. Ultimately, this will be a decision by the provider based on their business model and staffing complement. Independent Sector providers employ staff on a range of terms and conditions which, depending on their business needs, can relate to the payment of travel expenses or enhanced hourly rates.

Whilst Trusts endeavour to provide care packages where they are required, ultimately there are a range of factors which can impact upon this delivery. Where there are challenges in the delivery of care packages, Trusts have in place mitigation measures. To support the continuation of care Trusts send a list of outstanding cases to both their in-house Domiciliary Care Service and all Independent Sector Providers each day requesting their assistance with accepting these packages of care either in full or part. The outstanding list is shared with commissioning teams and Key Workers every evening for review and validation. Key Workers also remain in close contact with Service users to review their needs or changes in circumstances and to offer alternatives to a Trust facilitated package of care where appropriate.

Given the current position within the sector I recognise that there is immediate work to be done, and I was therefore pleased to be able to announce a £23million support package which has facilitated increased capacity across the social care sector for the remainder of 2021/22.

There is also clearly a need to address issues in the long term. The work of the Reform of Adult Social Care will inform the long term reform of the sector, including domiciliary care, and I am pleased to have launched a public consultation on the Reform of Adult Social Care on 26 January.

This public consultation sets our proposals for reforming adult care and support and making significant system change.

Among the 48 proposals we recommend a more proactive commissioning approach which will actively plan and shape service provision and a revised locality based model of domiciliary care based on the model piloted in the South Eastern Trust which has been very positively received.

As we move to a regional focus on provision of social care services it is our understanding all people will benefit from a review of the adult social care services regardless of location. As part of the public consultation we will seek additional information from our rural needs impact assessment.

Following the completion of the consultation, responses and feedback will be analysed and collated for review and a consultation feedback report published. The consultation will inform the development of a new strategy for adult social care.