2024-03-06 14:03:01

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, says: “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,” Mr Veevers says.

Notes to editors

For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk

About Hft

Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.

Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.

In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.

 

Learning disability versus difficulty

 

A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.

For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk