The programme focuses on six foundations: clear national leadership and accountability; fair funding and reliable care; supporting care workers to build lasting, valued careers; better data and digital services; early intervention and strong safeguarding; and seamless social care and support.

Speaking at the Welsh Parliament yesterday, deputy minister for Social Care, Delyth Jewell, said: ‘This Government is committed to strengthening recruitment and retention for social care, maintaining the Real Living Wage as the minimum rate paid to the workforce and progressing our ambitions for fairer pay.

‘We will also develop a National Social Care Academy to help people enter the profession, develop their skills and progress their careers.'

Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, Darren Hughes, supported the direction of travel outlined by the Welsh Government, adding: ‘Given the renewed focus on social care at a UK Government level, including the acceleration of the Casey Review and the prospect of additional funding for Wales, we encourage the Welsh and UK Governments to work closely together as reforms develop.

‘We must recognise that reforming social care will require sustained action beyond a single Senedd term. We therefore call on the Welsh Government to work with all political parties to build lasting consensus on its long-term future and funding.'