It’s taken too long to reform social care in Scotland but at last positive steps are being taken.
Like many countries, we have an ageing population and more people require social care as a result.
Everyone wants to remain living in their own home as long as possible but, for some, residential care is the only option.
It’s a complex issue but one that was not being well served by the existing fragmented system.
While the NHS remains free at the point of use, the care system has largely been taken over by the private sector.
The costs of care and standards on offer can vary wildly in different parts of the country.
The National Care Service being planned by the Scottish Government should go some way to remedy this.
A Bill published yesterday will soon be voted on by MSPs. It will allow care workers to conduct collective bargaining which should lead to improvements in pay and conditions.
While private firms will still be allowed to operate care homes for profit, they will become directly accountable to Holyrood ministers.
The coronavirus pandemic proved there was too much disconnect between the NHS and the care sector.
Many residential homes maintained high standards throughout the health crisis but others have questions to answer.
A reorganisation of the sector has long been talked about but only now are we approaching concrete action.
It’s up to the Scottish Government to now make this plan a reality.
We can’t afford any more delays.
Picket power
Anas Sarwar was right to join rail workers on a picket line at Waverley station yesterday.
RMT members deserve support for their legitimate demands for a decent wage rise and protection from
unnecessary job cuts.
Passengers faced huge disruption due to the strike – but it’s in everyone’s interests that our railways are run safely.
All the UK Government is interested in is slashing budgets, as has been proven by its failure to meet unions face-to-face.
The Scottish Labour leader should be seen supporting trade unions.
So it’s a pity Keir Starmer did not see fit to join a picket line elsewhere in the country.
In a leaked email, the UK Labour leader asked his frontbench team not to join strikers at railway stations.
His party would be little without trade union support.
On this call, Sarwar got it right.
Let’s hope a successful conclusion to this strike can now be found.
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