MINISTERS WELCOME PUBLICATION OF COMMISSION ON SOCIAL SERVICES REPORT
Ministers have today [Tuesday, 30 November] welcomed the publication of an independent report into the future of social services in Wales.
The Assembly Government-commissioned report aimed to look at social services over the next decade.
The Independent Commission for Social Services was established in December 2009.
First Minister Carwyn Jones and Deputy Minister for Social Services Gwenda Thomas will receive the report from Commission Chairman Professor Geoffrey Pearson.
Gwenda Thomas said: “I welcome the publication of this thorough report.
â€Staff in social services care for some of the most vulnerable people – whether they are young or old – every day and I am determined we value them and continually work to improve services.
“That’s why we as an Assembly Government have protected social services funding through the Local Government settlement. This means funding for social services will increase in cash terms by £35m by 2013-14 – representing a three per cent uplift.
“I want to thank Professor Pearson and his team for their hard work in considering the issues and recommendations. I am particularly pleased that the Commission confirms the case for social services as an integrated service located in, and led by, local government. I believe that this provides the overall context for local government services.
“The recommendations – and the outcome of other reviews I have commissioned into workforce and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults – will inform the development of our Social Services White Paper next year.â€
First Minister Carwyn Jones added: “Given the challenging financial climate that we face following the savage cuts imposed on Wales by the UK Government, it is important that public services look to work together to ensure we get more for our money.
“The findings of this report chime with what we are trying to deliver, fostering and developing closer working to sustain and improve local services.
“It is essential that we share resources and make the best use of the skills and expertise of the talented individuals that make up public services in Wales and remove artificial boundaries that can develop between organisations.â€
“The Education and Local Government Ministers have also commissioned reports looking at how we can better deliver services and consider what services, are best delivered at a national, regional or local level.â€
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