Chamber and committees

Does anyone else want to come in on that one?

I have one more question. I understand that the SSSC supports the creation of the new agency, so what do you foresee for your future, should it come into being?

Thank you. You said earlier that Scotland’s developing a national care service is a “groundbreaking and world-leading” approach. Can you expand on that and tell us why that is the case?

You will be pleased to hear that many of my questions have been answered, convener, as a lot has been said about co-design already. My focus, which ties in neatly to what we have just been speaking about, is on front-line staff, who are very busy. We have talked about the challenges, such as the pandemic and workload. How can we ensure that front-line staff are front and centre of the co-design? How can we ensure that they have the time to participate fully in what is happening? We have just heard that there will be significant time, but how do we ensure that they are at the front of that process?

The independent review highlighted that we should be moving toward accountability for social care lying with ministers instead of with local authorities. The Scottish public expect ministers to be accountable; that is a reasonable expectation, given the impact on national wellbeing. Can you outline the benefits that the move will have for Scottish people?

Good morning, cabinet secretary. Shelter Scotland warmly welcomes the change and states that it will

“embed the ‘no wrong door’ approach”.

It also welcomes the use of a person-centred approach. Will the cabinet secretary comment further on the submission that Shelter has provided to the committee?

Good morning. I was interested in Isla Davie’s comments about the approach to the bill being innovative, different and possibly challenging, given the co-design aspect, which is quite new. Isla, what merits or risks do you think might be associated with the framework bill?

I will roll my questions into one, as we are struggling for time.

Good afternoon to the panel. Eddie Fraser, I noted your positive comments on what has been achieved so far; that is appreciated. I echo Emma Harper’s comments on what you have brought to the committee—thank you. In your view, is there any case for some services to transfer instead of others, for reasons of consistency and quality? Also, what are your thoughts on the exclusion of homelessness services?

Could I go to Mr Kempe now, please?

It would be really useful if you could provide the information that you mentioned.

Where should the Scottish Government focus its investment in social care? I put that to Professor Needham.