Law that affects you as a Carer
Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014
The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 came in to force on April 6th 2016. It is the new law for improving the well-being of people who need care and support, and carers who need support.
For the first time, carers will have the same rights as those they care for. The Act introduces a new broader definition of a carer, a duty on local authorities to offer carers their own needs assessment as well as a legal duty to meet the eligible needs of carers following assessment.
The Act repeals the majority of existing Community Care legislation and repeals and consolidates all existing carers' legislation:
- The Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995
- The Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000
- The Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004
- The Carers Strategies (Wales) Measure 2010
as well as the following:
- National Assistance Act 1948
- Health Services & Public Health Act 1968
- Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970
- Health & Social Services & Social Security Adjudications Act 1983
- Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986
- NHS & Community Care Act 1990
- Health & Social Care Act 2001 (DPs)
You can access a guide on Carers Assessments under the new Act by opening the Assessments Factsheet document.
You can find out more information about the Act on our Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 page.