GSD Statement on New Domiciliary Care Entity ‘Community Care Domiciliary Care Services Ltd’

GSD Statement on New Domiciliary Care Entity ‘Community Care Domiciliary Care Services Ltd’

The GSD notes the launch of a new entity to deliver home support and domiciliary care services. While this development follows a period of real difficulty, we genuinely hope it marks the beginning of a more stable, effective and positive phase for the sector. We wish all those involved the very best as this new transition begins.

We also acknowledge the Government’s role in setting up these new structures. However, it’s important to point out that many of these measures — including the introduction of supervisors and the division of services into districts — could, and should, have been implemented between June and September 2024, when the contract was first awarded to Lifecome Care and a smooth transition was promised. Sadly, that did not materialise. What followed was confusion and disruption for service users, their families, and care workers.

These roles and systems are not new — they had already existed under previous providers. The issue, therefore, was not with the design itself, but with the failure to ensure a proper, well-planned transition. This is something we have consistently raised from the outset.

That said, what matters now is that lessons are finally taken on board. We sincerely hope this is the beginning of a more coherent and stable period for home care and support services.

We also take this opportunity to urge the Government to go beyond simply encouraging good practice and instead make a firm, clear commitment to finally reducing the use of zero-hour contracts. Care workers deserve better job security and fair working conditions — and more importantly, service users deserve the continuity and stability that such contracts help ensure.

Transparency and accountability must remain central. This process began with the awarding of a public tender, but when things went wrong, the Government — under significant pressure — eventually stepped in. There are still important questions to be answered about how this new arrangement fits into the broader community care structure, how it will be funded, and more. These are questions that must, and will, be asked.

Shadow Minister for Care, Atrish Sanchez, notes, “At the moment, the priority has to be a smooth and stable transition — for those receiving care, their families, and the care workers who’ve had to cope with months of uncertainty and stress. We also want to thank all those on the ground who have worked tirelessly during what has been an incredibly challenging period.”

As always, we will continue to listen to your concerns and raise the necessary questions in Parliament.