Welsh Labour has pledged to introduce the role of chief social care officer for Wales, if reelected in the 2021 Senedd election to be held on Thursday 6 May 2021.
The election is due to be held alongside the UK local elections and Scottish Parliament election.
Welsh Labour health minister Vaughn Gething said that the role will boost social care and bring national leadership and greater esteem to the care profession.
Modelled on the role of chief medical officer, the role will provide an independent overview and understanding of the care sector. The plans come as part of a package to secure a Fair Deal for Social Care, which include plans to deliver the Real Living Wage for all social care workers in Wales.
In March, Welsh Labour Ministers announced a special one-off payment for all NHS and social care staff equivalent to £735 per person. The amount covers the basic rate of tax and national insurance contributions, and so after deductions most people will receive £500.
Plaid Cymru has also detailed its manifesto for social care, which includes the following:
- Establish a commission to explore funding for a seamless Health and social care service, free at the point of need. Options include general taxation and a levy-based social care fund
- Reform the care assessment process based on personal care need
- Work with providers to ensure care workers pay, terms and conditions are brought progressively into line with those of NHS staff, starting with making a £10 minimum wage mandatory for any care provider in receipt of public funds and addressing sick pay.
- Raise the profile and status of nurses and nursing care in care homes by increasing nursing student placements in care homes alongside the development of career pathways to specialist and consultant posts in older people’s care, infection prevention and control, and dementia care.
