A report called for person centred care to become the central ambition for health reform in England, to improve the quality of life, health, and well-being of people, and the sustainability of care systems. It also discussed the potential contribution of the voluntary and community sector. Recommendations included: for a greater focus on preventive public health measures; to make people the centre of reform, with 'what matters to people' forming one of the key organizing principles for services; for better support and shared decision making for people with chronic conditions and disabilities; for recognition of the role of carers, volunteers, engaged citizens, and the voluntary and community sector, with better support and investment; for better funding for health and social care; and for an end to top-down reorganizations of services.

Source: Person Centred Care 2020: Calls and contributions from health and social care charities, National Voices

Links: Report | National Voices press release

Date: 2014-Sep

The Welsh Assembly approved the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act. The Act was designed to bring together a wide range of local authorities' duties and functions in relation to improving the well-being of people who needed care and support, and of carers. The provisions covered assessment procedures and requirements for meeting need, as well as provisions regarding children and young people within the care system, partnership working, and complaints.

Source: Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act, Welsh Government, TSO

Links: Act | Explanatory notes | Welsh Government press release

Date: 2014-May

The Care Act 2014 was given Royal assent. The Act provided for a range of measures regarding health and social care, including: a cap on the cost of social care in England; the legal right of carers to support from their local council; provision for local authorities to assess the care and support needs of children, and young carers, who might need support after they reach the age of 18, to facilitate the transition to adult social care; entitlements to personal care budgets and provisions for deferred payments for care; a rating system for hospitals and care homes, and new powers of intervention to the chief inspector of hospitals; and the creation of two new public bodies, Health Education England and the Health Research Authority, designed to provide additional training and support for health professionals.

Source: Care Act 2014, Department of Health, TSO

Links: Act | Explanatory notes | Explanatory notes | Minister's speech | NHF briefing | Inside Housing report

Date: 2014-May

The Scottish Government began consultation on proposals to identify, assess, and support carers and young carers in Scotland. The consultation would close on 16 April 2014.

Source: Carers Legislation: Consultation on proposals, Scottish Government

Links: Consultation document | Scottish Government press release

Date: 2014-Jan