National Care Service: fairer Scotland duty assessment

People who access social care

The Scottish Government's Equalities Evidence Review found that overall, substantially higher proportions of people in the most deprived areas in Scotland receive home care support; 26% of people receiving home care lived in the most deprived areas, compared to 13.9% in the least deprived. However, this varies by age; 36.2% of those aged 16-64 receiving home care lived in the most deprived areas, compared to 7.5% in the least deprived, while there was little difference in the age 85 and over age group.

Analysis of the Health and Care Experience Survey data found that people living in the most deprived areas were amongst those most likely not to be receiving support but feeling they needed it in 2021-22.

The Scottish Health Survey 2019 found that those living in the most deprived areas were almost twice as likely than those in the least deprived areas to experience four or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – 20% compared to 11%.

The Health and Care Experience Survey found that when respondents were asked to rate their overall experience of help, care or support with everyday living 62% responded favourably.

The NCS proposals seek to increase the number of care and support services which focus on prevention and early intervention, including community based services which can be accessed without a referral or full assessment. This approach will be set out in legislation, ensuring that there is not a postcode lottery of care.