The SNP’s controversial social care plan hits another roadblock

If you need proof that the SNP’s modus operandi in government is to make it up on the hoof, consider the party’s plan for a National Care Service (NCS). Announced by former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, the NCS was to be a radical – even visionary – solution to growing pressure on both the National Health Service and the social care sector. By bringing sharp focus to the needs of a growing elderly population, the new care service would not only mean immediate improvements to the lives of those it was established to serve, it would also end the use of hospitals as unofficial care homes. The argument in favour of the creation of a dedicated care service are absolutely compelling. What a terrible shame, then, that the Scottish NCS is never going to become an actual thing.

The Scottish Trades Union Congress is the latest organisation to publicly withdraw its support for the proposed care network.