Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Wales leads the way in eliminating profit from social care
Following the historic ban on companies profiting from children’s care, Unison Cymru calls for transparency in implementing the changes and extending the reform to create a truly national, profit-free care service, says MARK TURNER

ON March 24 2025 the Health and Social Care Act was placed on the statute books and Wales became the first UK nation to stop companies delivering care for children from making a profit.

The move, which was part of the 2021 manifesto, could be one of the most radical actions of the Welsh Labour administration. The legislation means that from April next year, no new for-profit providers can be commissioned to provide children’s care in Wales. By April 2027, care must be provided by not-for-profit organisations, charities or councils.

The move met predictable opposition in some quarters — most notably the for-profit providers. But with profit margins of up to 22 per cent that selfish hostility was to be expected.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivers a speech during a visit to the Jewish Care, Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Campus care home in north London, on adult social care reform, July 29, 2026
Editorial: / 29 July 2026
29 July 2026
From left Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research’s (CICTAR), Toby Quantrill, TUC Cymru’s Amber Courtney and report author Vivek Kotecha
Privatisation / 14 July 2026
14 July 2026
CRUNCH TIME: (Left to right) Wales Green Party Leader Anthony Slaughter, Reform UK’s Dan Thomas, Welsh Labour Leader and First Minister Eluned Morgan and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth
Features / 7 May 2026
7 May 2026

The election offers a critical chance to shape the future of pay, care and community provision in Wales, says Unison’s JESS TURNER