Crynodeb
The Care Act 2014 reformed the law relating to adult social care in England. It consolidated and replaced previous legislation with a single modern framework. The Act establishes duties on local authorities to assess needs, provide care and support, promote individual wellbeing, and prevent the need for care. It introduced a cap on care costs (not yet implemented) and strengthened safeguarding duties.
Pwyntiau allweddol
- Wellbeing principle — Local authorities must promote the individual's wellbeing when making decisions about care (s.1)
- Needs assessment — Local authorities must assess anyone who appears to need care and support (s.9)
- Eligibility criteria — National eligibility criteria set a minimum threshold for care (s.13; Care and Support (Eligibility Criteria) Regulations 2015)
- Personal budgets and direct payments — Individuals may receive a personal budget or direct payment to arrange their own care (s.26, s.31–33)
- Carer's assessments — Carers have a right to assessment and may be eligible for support in their own right (s.10)
- Safeguarding — Duty to make enquiries where an adult with care needs is at risk of abuse or neglect (s.42)
- Ordinary residence — Rules determine which local authority is responsible for meeting needs (s.39–41)