The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman Lamb)
On Friday 28 June, the Government published draft national eligibility criteria, as part of a discussion document describing eligibility in the context of the new care and support system and indicating the impact of setting the criteria in regulations. We hope this will inform debates on part 1 of the Care Bill. We will continue to engage with stakeholders and gather evidence to support the development of the draft regulations before a formal consultation next year.
The discussion document, including the draft regulations, has been placed in the Library. Copies are available to hon. Members from the Vote Office and to noble Lords from the Printed Paper Office.
The Government’s White Paper “Caring for our future: reforming care and support” set out our long-term programme to reform care and support. The introduction of the Care Bill into Parliament is a major step in taking forward these reforms, as it will modernise social care legislation and put in place a system that promotes people’s well-being.
One of the important new changes we are introducing through these reforms is establishing national eligibility criteria for adult care and support. These will set the minimum threshold for people’s needs for care and support which must be met by local authorities in all areas. This is to be achieved through the draft regulations which we propose will be made under powers in clause 13 of the Care Bill.