112.This section clarifies the meaning of various expressions used in the Act. Of particular importance is the explanation that “social care” does not include the provision of accommodation (subsection (2)). The note on section 2 of the Act discusses how the provision of accommodation can include both board and lodging and other services. It is intended that such services can be excluded from the definition of accommodation so that they may constitute social care for the purposes of the Act. Regulations under section 2 will achieve this.
113.Section 25 brings into effect schedule 2, which makes a number of amendments to existing legislation, which are minor and consequential to the provisions of the Act. Schedule 2 also repeals a reference to section 29(b)(3) of the 1978 Act in paragraph 52(b) of Schedule 4 to the Health Act 1999 and repeals the definition of “medical list” at paragraph 57 of Schedule 2 to the 1997 Act.
114.This section allows the Scottish Ministers to issue guidance and directions to local authorities and NHS bodies as to how they should undertake their functions under the Act. The section does not affect the other relevant powers to issue guidance and directions listed at paragraphs (a), (b) and (c).
115.This section enables the Scottish Ministers to bring sections of the Act, except section 27 itself and section 23, into force by order. Such an order may appoint different days for different provisions and for different purposes.