WALES has become the first country in Britain to remove profit from both residential and foster care for children, the government has said.

The Welsh Labour government’s Health and Social Care Bill (Wales) received royal assent today.

The legislation means that care for looked after children will only be provided by the public sector, charitable or not-for-profit organisations.

The law will also enable the introduction of direct payments for continuing healthcare within the NHS so that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions have greater control over their care arrangements.
 
Children and social care minister Dawn Bowden MS said: “I am proud that, once again, Wales is leading the way in children’s rights and ensuring we have a compassionate care sector.
 
“It is not right that shareholders and profit should be put before children in care, and today we have blocked that from happening.
 
“This Welsh Labour government is rooted in compassion and opportunity for all — and we’re delivering on it.”
 
First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Our Welsh Labour socialist roots mean that we in the Welsh Labour government don’t want to see anybody in Wales left behind.

“We are ambitious for all and we want to equip people, no matter their start in life, to reach their full potential.
 
“I am proud to lead a nation that backs children over profit and puts compassion at the heart of the care sector.”

Councils have supported the legislation but warned more funding is needed to make the plans work.

Association of Directors of Social Services Cymru chairman Lance Carver previously warned that councils also needed more time, and the needs of the child should be central to the process.