Cllr Janet Finch-Saunders AM, Shadow Minister for Social Services, today called on the Welsh Government to ensure that the worries faced by many people across Wales by the collapse of care home provider Southern Cross will not be repeated.

Speaking to the Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services, Janet said: “Financial issues for one provider, even a large one, do not undermine the principle of independent care provision. And public sector organisations fail too.

“What is important is to make sure that there are appropriate checks and balances in place and that people can always access the services they need. Good or effective public services should have a range of providers, including the independent sector, which offer diversity and choice.

“Checks and balances must be in place to protect the residents of care homes in the future.”