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Health and Social Care Bill

Very briefly, I endorse what has been said about including some statement in the Bill; the wording does not have to be exactly what is proposed. I especially endorse the words of the noble Baronesses, Lady Howarth, Lady Cumberlege and Lady Pitkeathley. I am especially concerned that the status and function of the current social care regulator should not be lost or diluted in any way. All three noble Baronesses have pointed to areas where that is likely to happen. We know that that is likely to happen if we are not very careful. My other point is that it is only by having a very clear statement of the breadth and range of duties of the new regulator can we ensure that such areas as preventive services are included. We have heard many examples of how they are unobtainable now and becoming more so. I strongly support that point, and the point about carers made by the noble Baroness, Lady Pitkeathley. I am very pleased to have been part of the task force looking at future policy about carers. If that is not in the Bill, we have more silos—more separation—than we need, so it is very important that this is stated clearly at the beginning of our work.