Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014
The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (‘the Act’) brings together local authorities’ duties and functions in relation to improving the well-being of people who need care and support, and carers who need support. The Act provides the foundation, along with regulations and codes of practice made under it, to a statutory framework for the delivery of social care in Wales to support people of all ages as part of their families and communities.
The fundamental principles of the Act are:
- Voice and control – putting the individual and their needs, at the centre of their care, and giving them a voice in, and control over reaching the outcomes that help them achieve well-being.
- Prevention and early intervention – increasing preventative services within the community to minimise the escalation of critical need.
- Well-being – supporting people to achieve their own well-being and measuring the success of care and support.
- Co-production – encouraging individuals to become more involved in the design and delivery of services.
The Explanatory Notes to the Act provide detailed commentary on the various provisions.
Coming into force
Part 1 and sections 196 to 200 came into force on 2 May 2014, which is the day after the Act received Royal Assent, in accordance with section 199(1).
The remaining provisions of the Act come into force on a day appointed by the Welsh Ministers by order, in accordance with section 199(2).
The following Orders have been made:
- The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Commencement No. 3, Savings and Transitional Provisions) Order 2016
- The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Commencement No. 2) Order 2015
- The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2014
Subordinate legislation made under the Act:
Further legislation, codes and guidance made under the Act are listed in the Social Services subject area of the site. This information will be merged with this page in due course.
In addition, the UK Government made this Order:
Consideration of the legislation by the Senedd
The Bill was introduced on 28 January 2013 by Gwenda Thomas AM, who was the Deputy Minister for Social Services at the time. The Bill was passed by Senedd Cymru (known then as National Assembly for Wales) on 18 March 2014.
More information about the Bill is available on the Senedd’s website, including a record of the passage of the Bill through the Senedd and the Explanatory Memorandum that was prepared by the Welsh Government (as amended after Stage 2).
The Act received Royal Assent on 1 May 2014.
Related articles and information
Overview of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 | Social Care Wales