Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:14 pm on 6 July 2021.
Diolch, Llywydd. I welcome the proposals, including setting out a clear national framework to support services to be planned regionally and delivered locally, and the strengthening of partnership arrangements. I just want to focus briefly on services for young people and young adults within this framework, particularly those with learning disabilities, and the barriers in place for social services to ensure that these young people and young adults and their families are able to access the full range of services they need. A 2018 Care Inspectorate Wales study found that most local authorities were struggling to meet their sufficiency duties and to find suitable placements to meet the needs of young people and young adults. In relation to choice and availability for residential resources for those with additional needs, I have no problem if those resources' primary aim is to provide high-quality care and to meet the standards required, but I'm very concerned at residential resources where their primary aim is to make a profit. The children's commissioner has also called again to move away and ultimately end profit-making in care services. So, may I ask what consideration will you give to those representations made by the Children's Commissioner for Wales and directors of social services with regard to the role of for-profit providers of care for young adults and those with learning disabilities as part of these plans to rebalance care and support? Diolch yn fawr iawn.