Overview
The NCS would be publicly funded and managed, with the aim of bringing together the different types of care currently provided by various agencies and organisations.
The plans include expanding access to care, improving pay and conditions for care workers and increasing support for unpaid carers.
The NCS is also intended to address issues such as the fragmentation of care services, variability in quality, and the lack of consistency in care provision. The Scottish Government plans to consult with stakeholders and the public on the detailed aspects of delivery before finalising the design of the NCS.
Right to a break from caring
The NCS draft legislation also contains an amendment to the existing Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 to introduce a legal right to personalised short breaks support for unpaid carers.
This right is intended to ensure that all carers will be able to take sufficient breaks from providing care.