Adult social care remains last in the queue in Chancellor’s Spring Budget

THE absence of any nod to adult social care in today’s Spring Budget is highly disappointing and yet another indication that our sector, those who work within it, and those who draw upon it, remain at the back of the queue.

Responding to the Budget statement, Steve Veevers, CEO of learning disability charity Hft, said:

“As highlighted by our Sector Pulse Check report, written in partnership with Care England, adult social care is in crisis, with 40% of providers reporting a deficit in 2023.

“While it is true that the Government increased funding for Local Authorities by 7.5% earlier this year, it falls short of the costs adult social care providers will incur this coming financial year, such as the 9.8% increase in the national minimum wage.

“This makes it highly unlikely that Local Authorities will be able to pay fees which sufficiently cover the cost of care, leaving providers to foot the bill. Indeed, this is already playing out, with some Local Authorities shockingly offering 0% fee increases to care providers.

“During the Sector Pulse Check survey, providers told us that, as a consequence of cost pressures, they have had to hand back contracts, offer care to fewer people and, in some cases, have considered exiting the market altogether. This uncertainty is simply not acceptable.

“The adult social care sector remains the poor cousin to the NHS as highlighted by the significant investment announced today for the health service, but nothing for social care.

“Even though the adult social care sector is inextricably linked to the success of the NHS (as recognised in the government’s long-term workforce plan), investment for our sector has received no attention at all.

“We implore the Government to rethink its stance on adult social care funding, providing security through ringfencing measures so it reaches providers who are delivering vital support.”