Social care law reform consultation welcomed

The Law Commission's consultation on social care reform has been welcomed by the Age Concern and Help the Aged.

Set out in the commission's consultation paper Adult Social Care, the proposals have been described as the most radical shake-up for adult social care law in 60 years.

Frances Patterson QC, the law commissioner leading the project, noted: "We are seeking to bring clarity to the system of social care. We are not seeking to change existing entitlements. A clear, modern statute will save time and money wasted on operating the current (outdated) system."

Michelle Mitchell‚ charity director for Age Concern and Help the Aged‚ said the reforms must not dilute or undermine the existing care rights of people who need support.

She added that a clear set of overarching principles for social care is an important step forward.

"The law needs to be accessible to the layperson‚ so that people can understand what they are entitled to and recourse to the legislation if the system fails them," she concluded.