Social services overhaul backed by AMs

Ministers say services will be focused on what people need most

Plans to overhaul social services and make access to care equal wherever a person lives in Wales have passed their final vote in the assembly.

AMs backed a bill aiming to simplify laws that regulate social care and make sure councils assess carers' needs.

Welsh ministers said the legislation was key to making social services "sustainable for generations to come".

It is one of the biggest and most complex pieces of legislation that has gone through the Senedd.

The changes include:

• Ensuring people are assessed according to their needs, regardless of where they live

• "Portable assessments", meaning people will not have to be re-assessed if they move to a different local authority

• A national adoption service

• Giving carers equivalent rights to support as those they care for

Following the vote on Tuesday evening, Deputy Social Services Minister Gwenda Thomas said: "This is a Bill for people, with the well-being of the individual at its very heart.

"Throughout the legislative process, the Bill has been subject to robust scrutiny, and is all the better for it.

"We are getting closer to fulfilling our ultimate goal - to make a real difference to the lives of those who need care and support in our society.

"This has only been made possible by a number of organisations working together towards this shared ambition, and I sincerely thank all of those who have played their part."