To help the Health and Social Care Committee in its consideration of the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Bill, the Committee would welcome your views on any of the following questions on which you feel able to comment.

General

1. Do you think the Bill as drafted will deliver the stated aims (to secure well-being for citizens and to improve the quality of care and support in Wales) and objectives set out in Section 3 (paragraph 3.15) of the Explanatory Memorandum?  Is there a need for legislation to achieve these aims?

2. What are the potential barriers to implementing the provisions of the Bill (if any) and does the Bill adequately take account of them?

3. Do you think there are any issues relating to equality in protection for different groups of service users with the current provisions in the Bill?

4. Do you think there are any major omissions from the Bill or are there any elements you believe should be strengthened?

5. Do you think that any unintended consequences will arise from the Bill?

Provisions in the Bill

The Committee is interested in your views on the provisions within the Bill, and whether they will deliver their stated purposes.  For example:

6. What are your views on the provisions in Part 1 of the Bill for the regulation of social care services?
For example moving to a service based model of regulation, engaging with the public, and powers to introduce inspection quality ratings and to charge fees.

7. What are your views on the provisions in Part 1 of the Bill for the regulation of local authority social services?
For example, the consideration of outcomes for service users in reviews of social services performance, increased public involvement, and a new duty to report on local markets for social care services.  

8. What are your views on the provisions in Part 1 of the Bill for the development of market oversight of the social care sector?
For example, assessment of the financial and corporate sustainability of service providers and provision of a national market stability report.

9. What are your views on the provisions in Part 3 of the Bill to rename and reconstitute the Care Council for Wales as Social Care Wales and extend its remit? 

10. What are your views on the provisions in Parts 4 - 8 of the Bill for workforce regulation?
For example, the proposals not to extend registration to new categories of staff, the removal of voluntary registration, and the introduction of prohibition orders.

11. What are your views on the provisions in Part 9 of the Bill for co-operation and joint working by regulatory bodies? 

Delegated powers

The Bill contains powers for Welsh Ministers to make Regulations and issue guidance, and for Social Care Wales to make Rules.

12. In your view does the Bill contain a reasonable balance between what is included on the face of the Bill and what is left to subordinate legislation and guidance?

Financial implications

13. What are your views on the financial implications of the Bill as set out in parts 6 and 7 of the Explanatory Memorandum?

Other comments

14. Are there any other comments you wish to make about specific sections of the Bill?