OUR social care system should be available to provide the care and support required by the most vulnerable members of society when they need it.

While services in East Lothian are undoubtedly stretched, local care workers on the ground continue to do an amazing job. However, sadly, all the evidence is pointing to social care across Scotland now being at breaking point.

A recent Care Home Census reveals that the number of care homes in Scotland has fallen by 18 per cent over the last decade, while the number of registered places has reduced by more than 2,400. In the same week, another report reveals that more than 9,300 Scots are currently waiting on a social care assessment or care package to allow them to live independently at home or in the community.

Meanwhile, the findings of a third report, The Health and Care Experience survey, showed that the percentage of respondents rating their overall help, care or support as good or excellent had plummeted from 82 per cent in 2015-16 to 63 per cent in 2023-24.

All of this comes against the backdrop of the SNP Government’s National Care Service Bill, which has faced widespread criticism from a range of key stakeholders, including trade unions, Cosla, care providers and NHS chiefs. Indeed, council leaders announced last month they were withdrawing support for the revised legislation, after deciding it did not reflect a model which local government could support.

Social care workers and people who rely on care services are suffering as a result of this growing crisis, but they have been forgotten in the SNP’s plans. More bureaucracy and centralisation will not improve the care vulnerable Scots receive or the working conditions of hard-pressed care staff.

Ministers should halt their failing bill, listen to the experts warning that they are on the wrong track and instead develop a real plan to support social care workers and boost overstretched services.