The Social Services and Wellbeing Act in Wales is like a set of rules to make sure people are taken care of. It helps both the people who need support and the people who provide it. One part of this law says that local authorities (like councils) have to write reports about how things are going in the care system. These reports help keep things stable and make sure everyone gets the help they need.

1. Market Stability Report (MSR): This is like a special report that Regional Partnership Boards create. They look at how things are going in the care system in a specific area. It helps local authorities and ABUHB (Aneurin Bevan University Health Board) understand what’s happening.
2. Code of Practice: The Welsh Government has a set of rules called the “Code of Practice.” It guides how social services work and how they partner with others. The Code says that MSR reports should give an overall view of how well care and support are working. It also checks if the market for regulated services (like care homes or other support services) is stable.
3. More Detailed Reports: Even though MSR reports are important, there will still be other detailed reports called “Market Position Statements” and “commissioning strategies.” These focus on specific services and parts of the market.

Now, let’s look at the specific regulated services listed in the Schedule to the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014:

• Care Home Services (Adult and Children’s): These are places where people can live and receive care, either as adults or children.
• Secure Accommodation Service (for Children): This is a special type of place where children can stay if they need extra protection or support.
• Residential Family Centre Services: These centres help families who are going through difficult times by providing a safe place for parents and children to stay together.
• Adoption Services: These services help find permanent families for children who cannot live with their birth parents.
• Fostering Services: Fostering means providing a temporary home for children who cannot live with their birth families. Foster families take care of these children.
• Adult Placement (‘Shared Lives’) Service: This service allows adults who need support to live with another family or individual who provides care and companionship.
• Advocacy Services: Advocates help people express their views and make sure their rights are respected, especially when dealing with social services.
• Domiciliary Support Services: These services provide support to people who live in their own homes, helping with tasks like cooking, cleaning, and personal care.

This Market Stability Report (MSR) links with the findings of the Population Needs Assessment (PNA) which sets out current and projected need and demand for care in local communities and the range and type of services that will be required to meet that demand. This MSR has been produced in partnership with each of the 6 commissioning organisations that make up the Gwent Regional Partnership Board: Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, Caerphilly County Borough Council, Monmouthshire County Council, Newport City Council, Torfaen County Borough Council, and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board; and covers regulated services as well as independent, private and third sector provision. The MSR and PNA documents complement each other and provide a comprehensive picture of current and projected demand and supply. The MSR is a useful tool for providers and potential providers of regulated services to enable a better understanding of the region and help to inform their own strategic thinking about future investment. It will also be of interest to local communities, as it provides transparency about the use of resources and how decisions about service provision are made.