A FLAGSHIP Government policy designed to give people who need social care choice and control is not delivering the results ministers intended, despite £70 million of public investment, a report has warned.
The Audit Scotland review of self-directed support (SDS) found that seven years into a 10-year strategy, it is not being fully implemented and ministers lack reliable information about whether the policy is working.
Critics said the findings were an indictment of the failure of the social care system, particularly for older people.
Dr Donald Macaskill, chief executive of Scottish Care, accused the Government of failing to ensure the law was followed. “It is simply not acceptable to pass legislation then sit back and see what happens.”
He said may older people were denied real choice by a combination of bureaucracy, financial constraints and a control culture in Scottish councils and integration joint boards.
“I still frequently come across instances where there is an assumption SDS is an option, a last consideration, an added luxury. Well, it is none of these – it is the law, and the only route by which individuals accessing social care should be supported,” he said.
Keith Robson, chief executive of Age Scotland, said many councils were giving people inaccurate information about their rights. As a result, the majority of older people are simply allowing local authorities to make choices on their behalf.
“We’re disappointed few people are taking advantage of the options available, particularly in the over-85 age group,” he said. “There is a perception it is more for younger people, or too much hassle. The bureaucracy can be overly complicated and time-consuming and councils can be reluctant to give appropriate advice.”
He added: “It is imperative more is done to inform people of all ages on their options.”
The report says progress has been made but the aim of transforming the lives of more than 200,000 adults and 18,000 children in receipt of services worth £3.4 billion annually had not been realised.
Ronnie Hinds, acting chairman of the Accounts Commission, said: “Radical change of this kind is never easy, but we are in the seventh year of the 10-year SDS strategy and it has been three years since the legislation was introduced. Authorities must respond more fully.”
Councillor Peter Johnston Cosla’s health and wellbeing spokesman, said: “Cosla welcomes Audit Scotland’s report, which highlights the scale of the challenge councils and integration authorities are facing. Councils and integration authorities are continuing to deliver for our communities in the most difficult of circumstances.”
Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell, said Scotland’s Care Inspectorate had been asked to carry out a review of how councils are implementing SDS and the impact on individuals.
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