To ask the Minister of Health for an update of the implementation of Power to the People, with particular reference to the aspects of the recommendations he does not plan to implement.

This is a far reaching and complex area of policy development with impact across the whole system of adult care and support. Policy development is at an advanced stage. My officials are currently finalising advice to bring forward to my office.

Early implementation of some areas of the reform has already begun as part of the Department's wider rebuild of the HSC in response to the Covid pandemic. This is in relation to the strategic development of the social care workforce. It is anticipated that a public consultation on reforming social care in NI will be launched by the Department later this year.