‘While the challenges are substantial, solutions do exist’: CCPS response to the new Scottish Government

CCPS has said it is ready to work alongside the new Scottish Government and parliament to build a sustainable social care sector which allows people and communities to thrive. 

Following a vote on Tuesday in Holyrood, John Swinney was appointed as First Minister and was sworn in at a ceremony on Wednesday. He has since appointed his Cabinet and Junior Ministers, including Angela Constance as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care and Alison Thewliss as Minister for Community Care. 

In response to the announcement of the new government, CCPS CEO Rachel Cackett said: “I congratulate John Swinney on his election as First Minister and all Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers on their new roles.  

“The task ahead of all of us is clearly urgent. Many providers in our membership are facing acute financial and workforce strains, placing their staff and, ultimately, the people they support at risk.  

“While the challenges are substantial, solutions do exist and I believe we already have many of the answers. CCPS, with its members, can help deliver far better outcomes for people – and for this government – if we are alongside as equal partners in much-needed change and public investment can be redirected to fund social care like it matters. 

“In his speech at Holyrood on Wednesday, the First Minister emphasised that he wanted to find common ground and ‘work across party lines’, with a commitment to bring people together ‘to build a country where everyone feels accepted and is able to contribute’.   

“We support this vision absolutely. And for Scottish citizens in need of support to flourish, a vibrant, sustainable and accessible social care and support sector is critical to its delivery. We look forward to working with the government to see meaningful change enacted.”