Social Services & Well-being (Wales) Act

Page updated on: 28/08/2024

The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act has been in force since 6th April 2016, and it gives you more of a say in the care and support you receive.

To help you keep as well as possible, you can make decisions about your care in partnership with professionals.  You also have easier access to information and advice about what is available in your area.

Carers and the person they care for have an equal right to be assessed for support and more people are now entitled to Direct Payments. 

The assessment process for care and support is based on what matters to you as an individual. It will consider your personal strengths and the support available to you from your family, friends and others in the community. 

  • The assessment is now simpler and can be carried out by one person on behalf of a range of organisations.
  • There are also now more services to prevent problems getting worse, so the right help is available when you need it.
  • Stronger powers to keep people safe from abuse or neglect have also been introduced.