RECORD FUNDING FOR WEST LOTHIAN HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE: FOUNDATION FOR FAIR PAY AND A NATIONAL CARE SERVICE

RECORD FUNDING FOR WEST LOTHIAN HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE: FOUNDATION FOR FAIR PAY AND A NATIONAL CARE SERVICE

Angela Constance has welcomed the £500,000 investment, announced in the Scottish Government’s budget as part of the £18 billion earmarked for Health and Social Care, which will lay the ground work for the establishment of a National Care Service.

The Scottish Government’s budget announced record funding of £18 billion for Health and Social Care - the £500,000 was included by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Kate Forbes, as part of a total investment of over £718.9 million for social care.

The MSP has said that the investment, alongside announcing a £10.50 minimum wage for social care staff, is a clear indication of the Scottish Government’s commitment to create of a National Care Service that looks after people across West Lothian.

Commenting Ms Constance said:

“I am delighted to see the Scottish Government’s commitment to establishing a National Care Service backed up in this budget with £500,000 investment as part of the £18 billion earmarked for Health and Social Care.

“Over the past two years, the importance of our social care services has never been clearer and people across Almond Valley deserve a social care system that is consistent in the quality of service they receive.

“Creating a National Care Service means that each of us in West Lothian and our loved ones will receive the consistency, equity and fairness we deserve in the care we need.

“Getting this right is crucial to allowing everyone to take part in society and will have the ability to transform peoples' lives for the better. I am very pleased that the Scottish Government are taking the steps needed to make this happen.”

ENDS

NOTES:

Scottish Budget 2022-23 - https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-budget-2022-23/

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