EMBARGO UNTIL 00:01 22/11/2024
"The Nuffield Trust's analysis confirms our concerns about a deeply troubling reality for social care. This perfect storm of council underfunding and increased employment costs will force providers to make impossible choices. This isn't just about balance sheets. This is about human dignity. We're already seeing evidence of care visits being shortened; non-compliance with the minimum wage; providers exiting contracts; and providers ceasing to trade. For those remaining, the combination of underfunding and increased costs may encourage a shift towards unregulated care.
"The government's rhetoric about 'home first' and improving care workers' conditions rings hollow when only 1% of councils can pay sustainable rates for homecare. On top of the additional £2.8 billion the Nuffield Trust is estimating Budget measures will cost the sector, we already face a £1.08 billion funding deficit in homecare alone.
“These additional pressures will make it impossible for many providers to maintain quality services while meeting their statutory obligations. This risks harm to individuals; higher demand for GP and other primary care services; an increase in NHS waiting lists; greater pressure on councils; and devastation of an already fragile homecare sector.
"The government must act now. We urge them to exempt homecare providers from the NICs changes and provide proper funding for the minimum wage increase. Without immediate action, we risk the collapse of regulated homecare services in many areas, with devastating consequences for the older and disabled people who rely on them and additional pressure on an already struggling NHS."
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The Homecare Association is the UK’s membership body for homecare providers, with over 2,200 members nationally. Our mission is to ensure that homecare receives the investment it deserves, so all of us can live well at home and flourish within our communities. The Homecare Association acts as a trusted voice, taking a lead in shaping homecare, in collaboration with partners across the care sector. It also provides hands-on support and practical tools for its members. The Homecare Association’s members agree to abide by the Association’s Code of Practice.
- Local Authorities and the NHS fund 79% of homecare services. Staffing comprises 70-80% of costs of care delivery. Unlike other businesses, care providers cannot increase prices because public bodies dictate these.
- Homecare Association report reveals critically low fee rates for state-funded homecare.
Contact
Daisy Cooney – Head of Policy, Practice and Innovation
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: 020 8661 8160
Mobile: 07435 910654
