Caregivers must follow the principles of the Care Act (2014) so that vulnerable adults are protected from mistreatment and their quality of life improved. The Care Act helps make care and support more consistent across the country.
The first phase of the Care Act (2014) came into force on 1 April 2015, with a second expected to take effect in 2020.
Key areas of change include:
- responsibilities on local authorities to promote wellbeing, focusing on prevention and providing information/advice
- introduction of new national eligibility criteria
- new rights to support for carers on an equivalent basis to the people they care for
- a legal right to a personal budget and direct payment
- extension of local authority Adult Social Care responsibility to include prisons
- new responsibilities around transition, provider failure, supporting people who move between local authority areas and safeguarding
We'll work with local people, voluntary sector organisations and care providers to ensure that they are aware of the changes the Care Act will bring. We'll also ensure that services continue to meet the needs of local residents.
Care and support
‘Care and support’ describes the help some adults need to live as well as possible with any illness or disability they may have. This includes help given by family and friends, as well as by us and other organisations.
This includes help with:
- getting out of bed
- washing
- dressing
- getting to work
- cooking meals or eating
- seeing friends
- caring for families
- being part of the community
'Help' might also include emotional support at a time of difficulty and stress, helping people who are caring for an adult family member or friend, or even giving others a lift to a social event.
Wellbeing in social care
These changes are designed to help people plan for the future and put them more in control of the help they receive. A person's wellbeing, dignity and choice will be at the heart of any decisions about care and support, so they can stay healthy and remain independent for longer.
The Care Act (2014) covers adult social care for anyone over the age of 18. It brings together a number of existing laws, and aims to ensure that health partners work together to create an integrated approach to care and support.
Further information about the Care Act
The Care Act
See further information about the Care Act 2014
Information about the Care Act is also available in other formats:
Choosing care and accessing support
See useful guides about choosing care and accessing support:
Information for care providers
See statutory guidance about the Care Act issued by the Department for Health.
The Care Act and other legislation
SEND reforms
The Care Act has also meant reforms to care and support for children and young people (aged between 0-25 years of age) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
See further information about SEND reforms.
The Children and Families Act (2014)
The Children and Families Act (2014) introduces a system of support from birth to 25 years of age.
Read about comparing the Children and Families Act and the Care Act.
Also see
Adult Social Care Community Team
Telephone: 01904 555111, Textphone: 07534 437804
Adult Social Care Emergency Duty Team
Contact the Emergency Duty Team for assistance.