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Social Services

Asked by Neil Duncan-JordanLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 28 April 2026UIN 128958

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the Department is taking to create a system of democratic accountability and consultative governance system to advise elected representatives in their responsibilities to social care.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock

The Department ensures that adult social care operates within clear lines of democratic accountability, with ministers accountable to Parliament, and local authorities responsible under the Care Act 2014 to meet social care needs.

Alongside this, we maintain regular and structured engagement with a wide range of stakeholders across the sector, including local government, provider organisations, charities, and people with lived experience, to ensure decision-making is informed by consultations with those working in and affected by the system.

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