Latest News - February 2010

Social Care laws are 'too complicated'

The Law Commission has called for social care laws to be simplified. At the moment the social care law system includes 39 different acts which the Commission says is too confusing.

It is suggesting a more streamlined approach to assessments, investigations and decision-making at a time when social care tops the political agenda.

All 3 main parties have set out their ideas on refreshing the funding system, but the Law Commission plan is not concerned with funding. It focuses on how councils are operating their social care services and how things could be made simpler for service users.

The Commission would like to see a clear set of principles to guide decisions, a duty to assess the needs of any carer and an obligation to investigate when abuse or neglect is suspected.

Although these vital aspects are already covered by the system, still the Commission thinks more clarity is needed.

The head of Counsel and Care, a charity for older people, said: "We are aware that the vast array of legislation and guidance is absolutely bewildering to older people and their carers."

"Pulling all the legislation together into one statute will bring much needed clarity about the rights of older people and their carers."

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