Summary
The Department of Health is holding a consultation to discover views on how local authorities should deliver the care and support reforms specified in Part 1 of the 2014 Care Act. The consultation closes on August 15th 2014. The reforms in question are expected to come into effect from April 2015.
Reference
Care Act 2014: launch of care and support consultation. London: Department of Health, June 6th 2014.
A full set of relevant document downloads is available:
Reference
Updating our care and support system: draft regulations and guidance. London: Department of Health, June 6th 2014.
The following document goes into detail:
Reference
Care and Support Statutory Guidance: Issued under the Care Act 2014. London: Department of Health, [May 30th 2014] June 2014.
Contracting Out of Local Authorities Social Services Functions
Following the national adult social care social work practice (SWP) pilots programme which began in 2011, the Department of Health has made a power to delegate statutory functions available to all English local authorities. This is anticipatory of the power local authorities will have when the Care Act comes into force in April 2015.
Reference
Osterloh, M. (2014). Powers of delegation extended to all Local Authorities following successful pilot programme. London: Department of Health, July 31st 2014.