The Government proposes to make changes to the Care Act 2014 in England and the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, so that local authorities have the powers to focus primarily on urgent and serious social care cases during the Coronavirus pandemic, as opposed to things they are required to do under the Acts and Regulations.

For example, during the pandemic, a local authority (LA) could make a decision not to meet everyone’s assessed needs in full or delay some needs assessments. It is important to note, that whilst the emergency measures are intended to be used where the LA is at imminent risk of failure, the duty of care remains.

Modifying the LAs powers and duties will mean significant interim changes as to how social services departments operate.

I will be posting an article about the Coronavirus Bill* 2020 and its impact on social care. The article will focus on the interim emergency powers and duties set out in the Bill, so watch this space!

* A Bill is basically a proposal for a new law, or a proposal to change an existing law, which is debated before Parliament.

For more information

Please contact Nsiem Akhtar.

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