A social care leader has hit out against the “institutional prejudice” towards private companies providing services for vulnerable people in Ceredigion.

According to Mario Kreft MBE, the chair of Care Forum Wales which includes 500 independent care organisations, outdated attitudes are blighting the sector at a time when the need for collaboration and partnership has never been greater.

He raised the issue at a meeting of the Five Nations group which represents social care providers from the four home countries and Eire.

Among those attending the conference at the St David’s Hotel in Cardiff were Welsh health minister, Prof Mark Drakeford, and the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira.

Mr Kreft said: “Unfortunately, there is a significant degree of unfair institutional prejudice against the independent sector here in Wales and elsewhere in the UK and Ireland.

“There are still many people who appear to resent the fact that independent providers need to be financially viable to stay in business and provide high quality services."

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