The Homecare Association recognises the findings of the National Audit Office's report on local government financial sustainability. These align with our members’ experiences on the ground.
Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of the Homecare Association, said:
"This report confirms what homecare providers have been telling us. Councils are reducing and cutting care for people in an attempt to balance their budgets. This short-term approach risks causing significant harm to individuals; places extra burdens on families and unpaid carers; and increases pressure on already strained NHS services.
"We are deeply concerned about the impact on older and disabled people in our communities. Limited resources mean fewer people get preventative care. This means too many end up in hospital, often being treated in corridors.
“Rising costs from the Autumn Budget and future employment rights legislation could worsen this trend. Without sustainable funding for social care, we fear even more people will lack the support they desperately need”.
We call on the government to:
- Invest at least £2.8 billion in the care sector to mitigate these risks. Evidence shows that every £1 invested saves £3 in longer-term costs across the health and care system.
- Exempt care providers from changes to employer's national insurance contributions.
- Ensure a multi-year funding settlement for social care to meet future demand and cover the full cost of care (estimated £18.4 billion needed by 2032/33)
- Implement a National Contract for Care service that sets a minimum price for care services. This will ensure public sector commissioners pay the full cost of quality care.
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