Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what representations she has received on establishing a social care council.

My officials and myself enjoy strong engagement with sector representatives and experts as we develop policy and deliver for the social care sector. We receive representations on a number of issues including on ideas for forums to hear from the social care workforce and shape policy, most recently on establishing a social care council, which my officials are following up on.

We already engage workforce representatives on the creation, development, and implementation of our ambitious workforce reforms. Most recently, this includes co-developing a new career structure for care workers so that all staff can build their careers and are recognised for their skills, and one that reflects the realities of providing adult social care.