The Scottish Government’s ambitious plans for a National Care Service (NCS) are facing significant challenges as the Scottish Greens contemplate withdrawing their support. The proposed service aims to shift social care responsibilities from local councils to a centralized national body. However, this initiative has already experienced a three-year delay due to cost-saving measures.
Green Party’s Concerns
An emergency motion, backed by Green health spokesperson Gillian Mackay, is set to be debated at the party’s upcoming conference. The motion argues that the current form of the bill contradicts Green values. Despite First Minister John Swinney’s repeated affirmations of commitment to the NCS, his administration, which lacks a majority, depends on former coalition partners for legislative support. The bill faces opposition from Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat MSPs.
Widespread Opposition
The proposal has lost backing from councils and trade unions, with health boards and care organisations also voicing concerns. Initially introduced by Nicola Sturgeon in 2021 as a landmark reform of the devolution era, the NCS has been repeatedly postponed and scaled back. Currently at stage two in parliament, where amendments can be proposed, ministers have suggested significant changes due to delays and reduced scope.
Local Accountability at Risk
The Green motion, introduced by Councillor Anthony Carroll and seconded by Mackay, criticises the bill as “not fit for purpose.” Carroll expressed worries about losing local accountability in social care to Scottish ministers. He emphasised the need to focus on enhancing rights and support for care providers rather than centralizing power.
Mackay acknowledged that while the Greens still support a national care service in principle, the current plans have eroded local accountability. She highlighted that many organisations have lost faith in the process and content of the bill. Mackay suggested retaining some elements in a “radically reduced” version of the bill, citing Anne’s Law and improved support for carers as valuable components.
Financial Implications and Political Reactions
Recent reports indicate that nearly £30 million has been spent on work related to the NCS. Scottish Conservative health spokesman Sandesh Gulhane criticised the plans as “dead in the water,” urging SNP ministers to redirect funds toward local care services instead.
Social Care Minister Maree Todd expressed disappointment at the potential loss of Green support but stressed that the current social care system is inadequate. She emphasised ongoing parliamentary discussions to amend and improve the bill, highlighting openness to dialogue with all parties.
The Scottish Government maintains that delivering the NCS would cost less than 1% of annual social care spending between 2022 and 2032. However, with mounting opposition and critical allies reconsidering their stance, the future of Scotland’s National Care Service hangs in the balance.
