Humza Yousaf confirmed the move in Holyrood on Tuesday.

First Minister Humza Yousaf has confirmed that the Scottish Government will further delay the proposed National Care Service (Scotland) Bill in Holyrood. 

The SNP leader announced during a speech in parliament on Tuesday that the legislation - brought forward as part of the government’s deal with the Scottish Greens - would be set back.

The legislation, which promises universal care for all in Scotland, has faced questions from the Third Sector over the impact it will have on charities and voluntary sector care providers. 

The statement, titled “Our Priorities for Scotland”, outlined the First Ministers future plans in Government, including a number of legislative announcements. 

The confirmation of the delay to the National Care Service bill comes after a letter to a Holyrood committee from Social Care Minister Maree Todd said earlier this week that stage one of the legislation would be delayed beyond June. 

Mr Yousaf told MSPs in Holyrood on Tuesday: “A key way of improving consistency of care is through the National Care Service in a way that commands consensus amongst our key partners – including the trade unions, and including local government.  

“Yesterday I confirmed that we would ask Parliament for an extension to the scrutiny process for the legislation, to help us to build that consensus.

“The aim of the national care service legislation – ensuring that consistently high standards for care across the country – is one which attracts wide support. 

“My hope is that by taking slightly more time to agree a way forward, we can ensure that that we agree and achieve that aim.”